South African footballer Luke Fleurs passes away after being shot in car hijacking

RIP: South Africa's defender Luke Fleurs. Pic: FRANCK FIFE, AFP

South African footballer Luke Fleurs has tragically passed away after being shot during a hikacking in Johannesburg. 

24-year-old Fleurs, who was a centre-half at Kaiser Chiefs, was waiting at a petrol station when he was set upon by gunmen, who ordered him to exit his vehicle.

Fleurs' car was reportedly stolen by one of the gunmen thereafter.

"The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body," Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told South African media.

A Kaiser Chiefs statement read: "We are profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our players, Luke Fleurs.

"The 24-year-old former youth international lost his life after being shot during a hijacking on Wednesday evening in Johannesburg, He was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to gunshot wounds.

"The club’s management, players and the technical team are all profoundly upset by this devastating turn of events.

"We convey our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends during this extremely difficult time.

"The club will make further announcements at a later stage."

Fleurs represented South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.