Luke Fleurs, a 24-year-old defender from Johannesburg’s renowned Kaizer Chiefs team, was fatally shot on Wednesday night while refueling his car at a gas station in a northwestern suburb of the city, according to police.
Kaizer Chiefs, the defender’s current club, confirmed the heartbreaking news on social media. They honored the memory of the 24-year-old and extended their condolences to his loved ones.
The club statement read: “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. The SAPS are handling the matter and further details will be communicated in due course. May his dear soul rest in peace.”
The shooting occurred at a petrol station in a Florida suburb. Fleurs was waiting for service when he was confronted by armed individuals demanding his vehicle.
The gunmen then shot him before fleeing the scene. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said: “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 tragically certified dead on arrival. Police have opened an investigation, with Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni appointing a team of seasoned detectives from the provincial office. No arrests have been made at this stage.
Fleurs started his career at Ubuntu Cape Town, before five years at SuperSport United. He joined Kaizer Chiefs last year, having also made several appearances at the youth level in the South Africa national team set-up, The 24-year-old also represented his country at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
