Former South Africa junior international Luke Fleurs, who played for the country's most popular club Kaizer Chiefs, tragically lost his life in a hijacking incident in Johannesburg. The 24-year-old was fatally shot in the chest at a petrol station on Wednesday night, with the assailants fleeing the scene in his vehicle.
According to police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, the attack occurred while Fleurs was waiting to be served by the petrol attendant. He was confronted by two armed individuals, resulting in the fatal shooting. As of now, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Fleurs, a talented centre-back, represented South Africa at the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2021, playing every minute for the national team. He was also called up to the senior team for World Cup qualifiers against Ethiopia in the same year, although he did not make an appearance on the field and remained uncapped.
The news of Fleurs' untimely passing has deeply saddened the football community. South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan expressed his condolences, describing the loss as significant for Fleurs' family, friends, teammates, and the sport of football as a whole.
South Africa's Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Zizi Kodwa, lamented the tragic outcome of violent crime, emphasizing the impact of yet another life being cut short due to such senseless acts.
Fleurs had recently joined Kaizer Chiefs from SuperSport United in October, following his development through the Ubuntu Football Academy in Cape Town. His promising career and contributions to South African football have left a lasting impact, and his memory will be cherished by all who knew him.
