SUMMARY
- 24-year-old Kaizer Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs died after succumbing to gun wounds.
- The South African soccer fraternity was shaken by the unfortunate news.
The soccer world woke up to very disheartening news on April 4, 2024. Reports from South Africa have confirmed that 24-year-old South African defender Luke Fleurs has been shot dead during a carjacking incident. The incident occurred at a petrol pump in Honeydew, Johannesburg. The defender was reportedly rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was ultimately pronounced dead by the doctors.
🚨 24-year-old South African defender Luke Fleurs has been shot dead during a car-jacking incident in Johannesburg. 🇿🇦
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this heartbreaking time. 🕊️💔
(Source: BBC) pic.twitter.com/QB9CV4wDYb
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 4, 2024
Luke Fleus played for one of South Africa’s leading clubs, Kaizer Chief. The 24-year-old succumbed to a gunshot aimed at his upper body. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo revealed, “The suspects pointed him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body.”
After that, one suspect fled the scene with Luke’s car. Gauteng Provincial Commissioner Lieutenant General Tommy Mthombeni has constituted a team to catch the perpetrator. However, no arrests have been made as of now. The South African soccer scene has been deeply affected by the loss of their gem.
South African Sports Minister laments the loss of Luke
Many have come forward to offer their condolences to the young defender. However, South African Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa’s heartfelt note stands out amongst them. While he was saddened by the horrific shooting down of Luke Fleurs, he also highlighted the increased number of violent crimes in the African country.
Zizi wrote, in a post made on X, “I am saddened that yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime. My thoughts are with the Fleurs and Amakhosi family, and the entire South African football fraternity.”
Rulani Mokwena pays tribute to Luke Fleurs. 🕊️❤️ pic.twitter.com/zzsHAyOrLQ
— Lorenz Köhler (@Lorenz_KO) April 4, 2024
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena looked pretty devastated by the news of Luke’s passing away. He said this at a press conference. “It’s very sad that a young life can come to such an abrupt ending with so much potential. And I think it’s a major loss for the South African football fraternity.”
Luke’s club, Kaizer Chief, also did not miss out on paying tribute to its bright talent. The club put out a statement, writing, “Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.” The South African club prayed for the peace of Luke Fleurs’ soul.
South African FA President Dany Jordaan was also taken aback by the shocking killing of the 24-year-old defender. He said, “We woke up to the heartbreaking and devastating news of the passing of this young life.” While South African TV presenter Carol Tshabalala believes that with the passing away of Luke, South Africa has lost a bright flame.
The playing career of Luke Fleurs
Luke Fleurs joined Kaizer Chiefs in October 2023, after 5 years with South African club SuperSport United. Primarily a defender, Luke also possessed the talent to transition into a defensive midfielder if needed.
The 24-year-old began his soccer career at Ubuntu Cape Town, playing for both its youth and senior teams. A promising defender, Luke Fleurs was part of the South African contingent that played soccer at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.
However, Luke Fleurs’ career was over before he could make a senior appearance for his nation. The South African defender’s killing has definitely locked up the nation, which has seen a surge in gun violence and murders lately.
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Even after repeated protests, the government hasn’t done much to improve the situation. The loss of a young life like Luke Fleurs could have been prevented if the South African government had done its job properly.
The concerned authorities should look into the matter urgently and punish the perpetrator who committed the heinous act against Luke. It also should take adequate measures regarding violence to prevent any such untimely deaths in the future.