South African defender for the Kaizer Chiefs football club, Luke Fleurs, was shot dead last Wednesday during a violent robbery while he was in his vehicle at a gas station, his club and police announced on Thursday.
“It is with immense sadness that we announce that Kaizer Chiefs player Luke Fleurs tragically lost his life last night during an attempted carjacking in Johannesburg,” the club wrote on social media.
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… pic.twitter.com/4CTCiH1I41
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) April 4, 2024
Chiefs are one of the biggest clubs in the country, twelve-time champions of South Africa and finalists in the 2021 African Champions League.
Revealed at Ubuntu Cape Town, in his hometown of Cape Town, before playing for SuperSport United from 2018 to 2023, Fleurs participated in the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Although he was called up to the senior squad, he did not make his debut for Bafana Bafana.
According to police, the 24-year-old player was waiting to refuel in his Volkswagen Golf when two men arrived in another vehicle.
“The suspects threatened him with a firearm and forced him out of the vehicle, before shooting him in the upper body,” said a police spokesperson.
“One of the suspects fled with the victim’s vehicle, followed by his accomplice.”
The player was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Police began an investigation, but as of Thursday morning no arrests had been made.
Crime is a recurring problem in South Africa and a central political issue as general elections approach in May.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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