South African police have launched an investigation this morning looking into an overnight raid in Magaliesburg where three foreign journalists were robbed.

The incident occurred at the Nutbush Boma Lodge, situated in the holiday town 80 kilometres north west of Johannesburg, where the visitors from Portugal were staying ahead of the World Cup finals which kick off on Friday.

Details at this stage are still sketchy, with some reports indicating the men were held at gun-point, and police are remaining tight-lipped.

"The incident happened about four o'clock when the journalists were asleep in their chalets," Brigadier Govensamy Marimuthu of the South African Police Services (SAPS) told Press Association Sport.

"All we know for now is the robbers took cameras, passports and cash.

"No one was injured and we are busy with an investigation. We hope to make some arrests soon with the case."

Marimuthu was unsure how the robbers gained entry, but warned that such incidents occur all over the country and visitors needed to be more cautious.

He continued: "These are crimes that are happening, but not affecting the stadiums. We are policing these places.

"We are also calling on visitors to take extra precautions as well.

"If they are staying at a hotel, then they should make use of the safe and other security facilities that are available."

Marimuthu also refused to blame hotel security, adding: "I don't want to lay any blame. Let us investigate the matter first and then see what the outcome is."