South African defender Luke Fleurs has died after being shot during a “hijacking incident” in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The 24-year-old, who played for South African Premier Division side Kaizer Chiefs, was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.
“We are profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our players, Luke Fleurs,” Kaizer Chiefs said on Thursday morning.
“The club’s management, players, and the technical team are all profoundly upset by this devastating turn of events.
“We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time. The club will make further announcements at a later stage.”
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
South Africa’s minister for sport, Zizi Kodwa, added: “I am saddened by the passing of KaizerChiefs defender and former junior international Luke Fleurs.
“I am saddened that yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime. My thoughts are with the Fleurs and Amakhosi family, and the entire South African football fraternity.”
After spells with Ubuntu and SuperSport United, Fleurs joined Kaizer Chiefs in October 2023. He did not make a senior appearance for the side but had twice been an unused substitute.
Despite receiving a call-up in to the South Africa national team in 2021, Fleurs never made a senior international appearance.
He made three appearances for his country at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
(Zhizhao Wu/Getty Images)
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