South African footballer Luke Fleurs has been killed in a car hijacking incident, his club Kaizer Chiefs have announced.
The 24-year-old defender was fatally wounded at a petrol station in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening.
Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told local South African media: “The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body.”
Fleurs’ club Kaizer Chiefs released a statement on social media platform X on Thursday morning.
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.
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) April 4, 2024
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
The SAPS are handling… pic.twitter.com/4CTCiH1I41
“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,” the club said.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
“The SAPS (South African Police Service) are handling the matter and further details will be communicated in due course. May his dear soul rest in peace.”
Fleur had yet to make his debut for Kaizer Chiefs having signed on a two-year contract in October. He spent five years at Pretoria-based club SuperSport United before moving to the Johannesburg side.
Everyone at SuperSport United is saddened to learn of the passing of former Spartan, Luke Fleurs 💙
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) April 4, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the Fleurs family, friends and everyone at @KaizerChiefs. 🕊
May your soul Rest In eternal Peace. 🙏#MatsatsantsaUnified pic.twitter.com/nLIXSURrXH
“Everyone at SuperSport United is saddened to learn of the passing of former Spartan, Luke Fleurs,” his former club wrote.
“Our deepest condolences to the Fleurs family, friends and everyone at Kaizer Chiefs. May your soul Rest In eternal Peace.”
Originally from Mitchells Plain, a township in Cape Town, Fleurs made his professional football debut aged 17 for Ubuntu Cape Town.
The defender represented South Africa at Under-23 level, including at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
He was called up to the senior South Africa squad twice, although did not make an appearance.
I am saddened by the passing of @KaizerChiefs defender and former junior international Luke Fleurs. 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. pic.twitter.com/h7XFpZFNS6
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) April 4, 2024
South African Minister of Sport Zizi Kodwa said: “I am saddened by the passing of Kaizer Chiefs defender and former junior international Luke Fleurs.
“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.”
