Police issue statement after Kaizer Chiefs footballer Luke Fleurs shot dead in 'hijacking incident'

South African defender Luke Fleurs has died after being shot during a “hijacking incident” in Johannesburg on Wednesday evening,

The 24-year-old defender, who played for South African Premier Division side Kaizer Chiefs, was shot in the chest as assailants stole his vehicle at a petrol station.

Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the tragic news when speaking to local reporters.

"The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body," he said.

An outpouring of tributes flooded social media following the death of Fleurs, who featured heavily for South Africa at the Tokyo Olympic Games before being called up to the senior squad for a World Cup qualifier against Ethiopia.

Kaizer Chiefs released a statement, saying: “We are profoundly shocked and saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of one of our players, Luke Fleurs.

“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.”

South Africa’s minister for sport, Zizi Kodwa also commented on the news, adding: “I am saddened by the passing of KaizerChiefs defender and former junior international Luke Fleurs.

“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.”

South African Football Association president Danny Jordaan added: "We woke up to the heart-breaking and devastating news of the passing of this young life. This is such a huge loss for his family, friends, his teammates and football in general."

Fleurs is one of the latest people to fall victim to fatal hijackings in South Africa, which has one of the highest murder rates in the world.

A total of 5,973 hijacking cases were reported from October to December last year.