Kaizer Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs was killed on 3 April following a fatal shooting during a hijacking incident in Florida, Johannesburg.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed that Fleurs was shot late Wednesday night. “While waiting to be served by the petrol attendant, he was confronted by two armed males who came driving a white BMW 1 Series,” Masondo said.
“The suspects pointed at him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once in the upper body. One suspect drove off with the victim’s car followed by his accomplice.” Despite being rushed to the nearest medical care centre, Fleurs succumbed to his injuries and was confirmed dead on arrival.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) has initiated an investigation into the murder and carjacking. Masondo says no arrests have been made yet, but Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has deployed a team of experienced detectives to investigate.
The 24-year-old untimely death has sent shockwaves throughout the football community. Tributes have poured in from teammates, fans, and officials expressing grief and solidarity with Fleurs’ family and loved ones.
Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed his condolences, lamenting yet another life lost to violent crime.
Fleurs’ promising career trajectory, including representing South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics for the national under-23s side and his recent tenure with Kaizer Chiefs, underscores the tragedy of his premature death.
