World

South African footballer and Olympian Luke Fleurs killed in hijacking

The 24-year-old Kaizer Chiefs defender previously played for the national under-23 side, representing South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics.

Luke Fleurs in action during a match between Supersport United and Richards Bay at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, South Africa, on January 22 2023 (Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix via AP)
Luke Fleurs in action during a match between Supersport United and Richards Bay at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, South Africa, on January 22 2023 Luke Fleurs in action during a match between Supersport United and Richards Bay at the Lucas Moripe Stadium, Atteridgeville, South Africa, on January 22 2023 (Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix via AP) (Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix/AP)
By Mogomotsi Magome, Associated Press

South African footballer and Olympian Luke Fleurs has been killed in a hijacking in Johannesburg, his Kaizer Chiefs club said.

The 24-year-old defender was shot while waiting to be attended to at a petrol station in the Honeydew suburb in Johannesburg, according to police.

“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,” Kaizer Chiefs said in a statement.

According to police spokesperson Mavela Masondo, the attackers fled with Fleur’s vehicle and police were investigating a case of murder and car hijacking.

Fleurs previously played for the national under-23 side, representing South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics.

He is the latest among thousands of people who are victims of fatal hijackings in South Africa, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

The latest official crime statistics from October-December last year showed 5,973 hijacking cases reported.