South African Paralympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been arrested over the fatal shooting of his girlfriend at his home in Pretoria, local media say.
Police said a 26-year-old man, who they have not named, was in custody and faces murder charges.
The precise circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear. Reports say he may have mistaken her for a burglar.
Mr Pistorius, 26, is known as the "blade runner", and was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics.
The suspect is expected to appear in court later on Thursday, reports say.
Mr Pistorius's girlfriend is being named in local media as 30-year-old model, Reeva Steenkamp.
The news that he may have killed her will shock the country as the athlete is regarded as one of South Africa's national icons, reports the BBC's Peter Biles from Capetown.
'Fatally wounded'The incident is said to have taken place between 04:00 and 05:00 local time (02:00-03:00 GMT).
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Police gave no further details about the woman's alleged relationship with Mr Pistorius.
South Africa has among the highest rates of crime in the world and many residents keep weapons to protect themselves against intruders.
Police said a 26-year-old man, who they have not named, was in custody and faces murder charges.
The precise circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear. Reports say he may have mistaken her for a burglar.
Mr Pistorius, 26, is known as the "blade runner", and was the first double amputee to run in the Olympics.
The suspect is expected to appear in court later on Thursday, reports say.
Mr Pistorius's girlfriend is being named in local media as 30-year-old model, Reeva Steenkamp.
The news that he may have killed her will shock the country as the athlete is regarded as one of South Africa's national icons, reports the BBC's Peter Biles from Capetown.
'Fatally wounded'The incident is said to have taken place between 04:00 and 05:00 local time (02:00-03:00 GMT).
Continue reading the main story[h=2]
[/h]Police gave no further details about the woman's alleged relationship with Mr Pistorius.
South Africa has among the highest rates of crime in the world and many residents keep weapons to protect themselves against intruders.
