Kaizer Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs killed in carjacking
The Olympian was shot while waiting at a gas station in Johannesburg.
JOHANNESBURG — Kaizer Chiefs center-back Luke Fleurs tragically died after being shot at a Johannesburg gas station. He was 24.
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo told media that the attackers shot Fleurs in the upper body and escaped with his vehicle. Police are investigating a case of car hijacking and murder.
Fleurs landed a move from SuperSport United to Kaizer Chiefs this summer but did not make any appearances for the Glamour Boys. However, he was reportedly nearing his debut following multiple successful training sessions. He started all three group-stage games for the South Africa U23s at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The South African Premier Division said that there would be a moment of silence in all first-tier and second-tier games in honor of Fleurs’ passing. “We are profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our players, Luke Fleurs,” Kaizer Chiefs wrote in an official club statement. “We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.”
The shooting follows an epidemic of crime in Jo’burg that includes carjackings, sexual assault, robbing, and murder. South Africa has suffered from a disorganized police force that has allowed crime to thrive and mobs to form in city centers.