By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Kaizer Chiefs Football Club defender Luke Fleurs has tragically passed away on Wednesday evening after being shot during a hijacking.
Fullview learnt of the sad news through a source close to the club.
Gauteng police spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo, said Fleurs was driving a red VW Golf 8 GTI into the petrol station on 14th Avenue.
“While waiting to be served by the petrol attendant, he was confronted by two armed males who came driving a white BMW 1 Series,” Masondo said.
“The suspects pointed him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body. One suspect drove off with the victim’s car followed by his accomplice.”
Masondo said Fleurs was taken to the nearest medical care centre where he was certified dead on arrival.
Police have opened a case of murder and car hijacking for investigation, and no arrests have been made yet.
Police are appealing to anyone who might have information that can help in the investigation or assist in the apprehension of the suspects to please call the nearest police station or call crime stop on 08600 10111.
In a statement on social media platform X, Chiefs confirmed the news of his passing, adding that police are handling the matter and that further details will be communicated in due course.
Fleurs, 24, joined Chiefs as a free agent in October having been released by previous club SuperSport United in September.
He penned a two-year deal with an option to renew at the end of the contract.
Fleurs had racked up 70 appearances for Supersport, scoring twice, after joining the club from Ubuntu FC in July 2018.
He represented South Africa at Under-17 and U23 level.
And that included competing for his country at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. But despite twice being called up to the men’s squad, he did not earn a senior national team cap.
Meanwhile Sports Minister Zizi Kowda says that he is saddened by the news of Fleurs’ death; and that another young life has been cut short due to violent crime.