Lucky Dube's most recent album, Respect, was released in April

A police spokeswoman said the artist was dropping his son off in the suburb of Rosettenville on Thursday evening when he was attacked by armed robbers.

His son was already out of the car when he saw what happened, and then ran for help, Capt Cheryl Engelbrecht added.

One of South Africa's most popular artists, Lucky Dube toured the world singing about social problems.

Lucky Dube began his career by singing mbaqanga (traditional Zulu) music and recorded his first album with the Super Soul band in 1982.

He later moved into reggae, producing Rastas Never Die and Think About The Children in 1984. His albums, Slave, Prisoner and Together As One saw him gain first national and then global recognition.

Lucky Dube released his 21st and most recent album,