South African footballer Luke Fleurs shot dead

South African footballer Luke Fleurs has been killed in a car hijacking incident, club Kaizer Chiefs announced the tragic development Thursday.

The 24-year-pold defender was fatally wounded at a petrol station in Johannesburg, South African media reported late on Wednesday.

“The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo.

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.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Fleur had yet to made his debut for Kaizer Chiefs after signing a two-year deal back in October. Prior to this, he spent five years at Pretoria-based club SuperSport United.

“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.”

The Cape Town native made his professional football debut aged 17 for Ubuntu Cape Town. He then 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.