Luke Fleurs Shot Dead: South African Footballer And Olympian Killed In Johannesburg Hijacking

Luke Fleurs, who played for Kaizer Chiefs, was shot while waiting to be attended to at a petrol station in the Honeydew suburb in Johannesburg. The defender was 24 years old

PTI

Updated on: 4 April 2024 3:58 pm

South African footballer Luke Fleurs, killed in Johannesburg hijacking on April 4, 2024. Photo: X | Kaizer Chiefs

South African footballer and Olympian Luke Fleurs has been killed in a hijacking in Johannesburg, his Kaizer Chiefs club said on Thursday.

The 24-year-old defender was shot while waiting to be attended to at a petrol station in the Honeydew suburb in Johannesburg, according to police.

“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,” Kaizer Chiefs said in a statement.

According to police spokesperson Mavela Masondo, the attackers fled with Fleur's vehicle and police were investigating a case of murder and car hijacking.

Fleurs previously played for the national under-23 side, representing South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics.

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BY Stats Perform

Fleurs is the latest among thousands of people who are victims to fatal hijackings in South Africa, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

The latest official crime statistics from October-December last year showed 5,973 hijacking cases reported.