South African footballer Luke Fleurs has tragically passed away after being shot during a hijacking incident in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
Kaizer Chiefs, one of the most popular clubs of South Africa and 12-time league champions, announced the devastating news on their official social media account X, expressing deep sorrow at the tragic and unexpected passing of Fleurs.
The club revealed that Fleurs tragically lost his life on Wednesday evening during a hijacking incident in Johannesburg.
The club further said that police were handling the matter and further details would be communicated in due course.
Fleurs, aged 24, was sitting in his car at a petrol station when he was approached by unidentified gunmen, who demanded him to step out of the car.
While informing local media, Gauteng Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo stated that the suspects pointed at him Fleurs with a firearm and forced him out of his vehicle, then shot him once in the upper body and fled with his vehicle.
Fleurs made his National First Division debut aged 17, and made 18 league appearances in his first season of professional football.
On 26 October 2023, he joined fellow Premiership side Kaizer Chiefs, and signed a two year contract with an option for an additional year.
The South African Premier Division announced that there will be a moment of silence held at all first and second-tier games on April 6th and 7th to honor Fleurs' memory.
