Johannesburg- The three killers of South Africa's reggae star Lucky Dube were sentenced to life in prison on Thursday.

Dube, 43, was shot dead in Johannesburg in October 2007 when the three men tried to rob him of his car.

In handing down sentence, the judge in the High Court in Johannesburg described his murder as "senseless" and "callous."

The three were also sentenced to an additional 15 years for the botched car-jacking and received further time for additional crimes.

Born in Johannesburg in 1964, Dube survived poor health in infancy to become a top and well-loved reggae performer who recorded over 20 albums, including Rastas Never Die, Think About The Children, Soul Taker, Trinity and his latest, Respect.

His dislike of drinking and smoking and his energetic live performances during tours at home and abroad marked the dreadlocked singer apart from other reggae artists.  (dpa)