Johannesburg: Footballer Luke Fleurs, a defender for the popular Kaizer Chiefs team in South Africa, was shot and killed by robbers. The incident took place in a northwestern suburb of the city, where Fleurs was refilling his car at a gas station.
Fleurs’s team stated in a social media post that, “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. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
As a result of the report, the police and the club acknowledged the incident, which startled the crime-ridden country. Police reports indicate that, two armed men driving a white BMW confronted Fleurs while he was waiting to be served at a petrol station in his Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI.
Masondo Mavela, the police spokesman, said that, “The suspects pointed him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body. One suspect drove off with the victim’s car followed by his accomplice. The footballer was taken to a hospital but was declared dead on arrival.” A murder investigation and a carjacking investigation were launched by authorities.
A tribute to Fleurs was posted on social media by Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa. He referred to the Kaizer Chiefs team by its nickname on X, formerly Twitter. “I am saddened that yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime. My thoughts are with the Fleurs and Amakhosi family, and the entire South African football fraternity,” the Minister noted.
Crime rates in South Africa are alarmingly high, and it become a significant political issue ahead of the general elections scheduled for May. The opposition parties are accusing the government of failing to address the issue effectively.
According to official figures, the country witnessed almost 84 homicides per day between October and December. Kaizer Chiefs is one of South Africa’s top teams and holds the record for the highest number of domestic trophies won.
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