JOHANNESBURG: South Africa-born former Worcestershire and Namibia batsman Louis Vorster was shot dead as he left a petrol station near Pretoria, a police spokesman said Wednesday.

The 45-year-old businessman was driving out of the garage when his path was blocked by another car and a gunman opened fire, fatally wounding Vorster before snatching a package from his vehicle.

“It is a very sad day for southern Africa cricket,” said acting chief executive Jacques Faul in a statement on the Cricket South Africa website.

“Louis did a great deal for cricket both in South Africa and Namibia, where he played for and coached the national team.”

His first-class career spanned more than two decades before retiring three years ago and a highlight was a knock of 174 for Clive Rice-led Transvaal (now Gauteng) at Western Province in a 1988 Currie Cup match.

Albie Morkel, the South Africa all-rounder, tweeted: "Tonight I'm crying like a baby! Lost a great friend! Rip Louis Vorster. #anothercrimevictiminSA!!"