Luke Fleurs, a Kazier Chief’s defender, was killed on April 3, 2024. The football star was killed in a botched hijacking in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The footballer’s death has left a vacuum in the hearts of his fans and teammates, but it has also highlighted the rise of violent crimes in South Africa.
Below is everything you need to know about his death, updates on the case, and other facts about the incident.
How did Luke Fleurs die?
Luke Fleurs was shot dead on the night of April 3, 2024. He was waiting to be served at a petrol station when two armed men confronted him.
In a statement to the press, Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo revealed that:
“The suspects dragged Fleurs out of the car at gunpoint and shot him once in the upper body.”
One of the shooters fled with the car Fleurs was driving, a red VW Golf 8 GTI. His accomplices followed him with the car they had been driving, a white BMW1.
Following the shooting, Fleurs was rushed to a nearby medical care facility. Unfortunately, he was confirmed dead on arrival.
How did the South African football world react to Fleurs’ death?
Soon after the shooting, Kaizer Chiefs posted a statement on X, announcing the footballer’s passing. The club also sent its condolences to the family and friends of the footballer.
SuperSport United, Luke Fleurs’ former team, also mourned the player’s death. A statement on the club’s website read:
“SuperSport United Football Club is saddened to learn of the passing of their ex-player Luke Fleurs. The Matsatsantsa family would like to send its heartfelt condolences to the Fleurs’ family, everyone at Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, and the football community at large.”
– SuperSport United’s Statement on Luke Fluers’ death
South African Minister of Sports, Zizi Kodwa, also joined the country in mourning the Kaizer Chiefs player. In a statement on X, He stated:
“Saddened that yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime.”
– Zizi Kodwa on Luke Fluers’ death.
Several fans and other South African football fraternity members also took to social media to mourn the football star.
How was Luke Fleurs sent off?
On April 11, 2024, the Kaizer Chiefs held a memorial service at the FNB Stadium for the slain footballer.
The service was attended by family, friends, Kaizer Chiefs players, staff, & club legends, players from other PSL clubs, and members of the South African football fraternity.
During the memorial service, Kaizer Motaung Jr, the club’s sporting director, announced that the Chiefs had officially retired Fleurs’ number 26 jersey.
Luke Fleurs was laid to rest in his hometown of Mitchells Plain on April 21, 2024.
Thousands of mourners, including his family, friends, South African football fraternity, and fans, turned up to pay their last respects to the fallen football star.
Were Luke Fleurs’ hijackers arrested?
After the Fleurs’ shooting, South African Police set up a team to hunt down the killers.
The detective traced the suspects to the Slovoville area of Soweto, where they recovered Fleurs’ stolen car, which had already been stripped for parts.
During the operation, the police also arrested six people suspected of being involved in the hijacking and killing of Fleurs.
According to the police, the arrested individuals are believed to be part of a car hijacking ring operating out of Gauteng.
The arrested individuals, Ndumiso Moswane, Nhlakanipho Dlamini, Fernando Sive, Maredi Mphahlele, Franky Xaba, and Thembinkosi Hlomikhawu, were arraigned at a Magistrate’s Court in Johannesburg.
The suspects are facing several charges, including murder, illegal firearm possession, and robbery under aggravating circumstances.
While speaking to the media, Luke Fleurs’ family said they had forgiven the suspects for their wrongdoing. However, they opposed their bail application, stating:
“We just want justice for Luke.”
– Luke Fluers’ family
Which teams did Luke play for?
Luke Fleurs was born in Mitchells Plain, Cape Town, South Africa. He joined the Ubuntu Cape Town Academy at 13 and made his professional debut for the senior club aged 17.
In 2018, Fleurs signed with South African Premier Soccer League club SuperSport United.
He then moved to Kaizer Chiefs on October 26, 2023, and was yet to make an official appearance for the club at the time of his death.
On the international scene, the late footballer had represented the South African U17 and U23 youth teams. He was also called to the senior national team in 2021, though he was not capped.
Which other South African players have died from violent crime?
South Africa has been dealing with high rates of violent crime for several years, with murders, assassinations, robberies, and carjacking incidents that have claimed many lives.
Sadly, Luke Fleurs is not the only South African player to fall victim to a violent crime. Others include:
- Oshwin Andries – Andries played for SA PSL club Stellenbosch. He died on February 3, 2023, following complications arising from stabbing injuries after an argument at a bar.
- Senzo Meyiwa – Meyiwa was a South African footballer and the captain of the Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana national team. He was killed in a home invasion at his girlfriend’s house in 2014.
- Marc Batchelor – Batchelor was a former footballer who played for Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Orlando Pirates. He was killed in a motorcycle drive-by shooting in 2019.
- Eudy Simelane – Simelane was a female footballer who played for the South African national team. She was raped and killed in 2008 in a violent hate crime due to her sexual orientation.
- Aaron Makhathini – Makhathini was a promising South African footballer. He was gunned down in 1985 outside his home while returning from a training session.
