South African footballer Luke Fleurs has been shot dead in a car hijacking in Johannesburg.
Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the tragic news of the 24-year-old via a club statement released on the morning of Thursday, April 4, 2024.
“It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce that Kaizer Chiefs player, Luke Fleurs tragically lost his life last night during a hijacking incident in Johannesburg,” wrote the club.
The statement went on to pay tribute as well as heartfelt condolences.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. The SAPS are handling the matter and further details will be communicated in due course. May his dear soul rest in peace.”
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The shooting took place at a petrol station in the suburb of Florida on Wednesday night and information from the Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo revealed Luke Fleurs was shot and killed by the suspects.
“The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body.”
The defender was taken to the nearest medical care centre but he was confirmed dead on arrival. Police have begun investigation into the shooting, however, no arrest have been made at this stage.
Fleurs started his career at Ubuntu Cape Town, before a five-year spell at SuperSport United.
He joined Kaizer Chiefs last year, having also made a number of appearances at youth level in the South Africa national team set-up and also represented his country at the Tokyo Olympics.