The South African football industry is mourning the tragic passing of Kaizer Chiefs player Luke Fleurs who was murdered on Wednesday, 3 April, in Johannesburg.
KAIZER CHIEFS PLAYER LUKE FLEURS SHOT DEAD
The 24-year-old footballer was at a petrol station in Honeydew when the shooting took place. Fleurs was waiting to be attended when he was approached by gunmen, who ordered him to hand his vehicle over.
According to Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel, Mavela Masondo, the gunmen shot the soccer player before fleeing the scene.
“While waiting to be served by the petrol attendant, he was confronted by two armed males who came driving a white BMW 1 Series.
“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 added that Fleurs was taken to the nearest medical care centre where he was certified dead on arrival. No arrests have been made at this stage.
KAIZER CHIEFS PAY TRIBUTE TO LUKE FLEURS
Fleurs’ untimely death was also confirmed by Amakhosi on social media. The Soweto Giants paid tribute to the defender and sent their condolences to his family and friends.
“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 the matter and further details will be communicated in due course. May his dear soul rest in peace,” read the club’s statement.
The centre-back started his career at Ubuntu Cape Town, before spending five years at SuperSport United.
He also represented South Africa at Under-17 and U23 levels, including competing at the delayed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
CELEBRITIES WEIGH IN
Tributes and messages of condolences have been pouring in since the youngster’s murder as fans lament the high crime rates in the country.
Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs legend, Lucas Radebe, said: “Very sad indeed crime is on another level ,another talent gone so soon. Me condolences @KaizerChiefs and the Family of Luke Fleurs [sic].”
Award-winning sportscaster, Carol Tshabalala, wrote: “Absolutely shocked to hear the heartbreaking news of Luke Fleurs untimely passing 🕊️ The football family has lost a bright flame. May he rest in peace 🕯️ Heartfelt prayers, strength and condolences to the family.”
Meanwhile, Metro FM drive show host, Tbo Touch, called for a state of emergency and also pleaded with the South African Police Services to ensure a robust attack on crime.
“Hijackings happening every day, both that are reported and those unnoticed. I believe we desperately need a state of emergency to confront these brutal acts of violence. Please, @SAPoliceService, let’s ensure that Luke Fleurs’ tragic death triggers are robust attack on crime [sic].”
MURDER STATS
In February this year, Police Minister Bheki Cele released the murder statistics for the third quarter of the 2023/24 year (October to December 2023) revealing a 2.1% increase, leading to 155 more murders compared to Q3 2022/23.
He further said that the SAPS recorded a total of 7 710 murders over the period, meaning an average of 84 people were murdered every day in that time.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ARTICLES BY NOKUTHULA NGCOBO
[…] source https://www.soccer2day.co.za/2024/04/04/celebs-mourn-chiefs-defender-luke-fleurs-death/ […]