Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Yanga Sibembe
Published on 2024-04-04 08:37:13
The tragic loss of 24-year-old Kaizer Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs to violent crime in South Africa has left the football community in mourning. The talented player, who rose to prominence with SuperSport United, was fatally shot during a hijacking on Wednesday night.
In a statement, Kaizer Chiefs expressed their deep sadness over Fleurs’ untimely death and extended their thoughts and prayers to his family and friends. The South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently investigating the incident, and further details will be provided in due course.
Hailing from Mitchells Plain, Fleurs has become another statistic in a country plagued by high levels of violent crime. The latest crime statistics for the October to December 2023 period reported an average of 84 murders per day in South Africa.
According to the SAPS, Fleurs was at a petrol station when the hijacking took place. He was threatened with a firearm, forced out of his vehicle, and shot in the upper body. The perpetrators then fled in his car, leaving Fleurs fatally wounded. Despite being rushed to a medical facility, he was pronounced dead upon arrival. The police have launched an investigation into the murder and car hijacking but have not made any arrests yet.
Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed his condolences to Fleurs’ loved ones, emphasizing the tragic loss caused by violent crime. Fleurs, who had not yet made his debut for Kaizer Chiefs after joining the club as a free agent in October 2023, had a promising career ahead of him.
Hailing from Ubuntu Football Academy and later making a name for himself at SuperSport United, Fleurs was regarded as one of South Africa’s most promising young talents. His standout performances during the 2021/2022 season earned him recognition as the best young player in the league.
Despite facing setbacks in his development, Fleurs caught the eye of Kaizer Chiefs’ former coach Molefi Ntseki, who awarded him a two-year contract. Tragically, Fleurs’ life was cut short before he could showcase his talent on the field for his new club.
The football community, including his former club SuperSport United, mourns the loss of a talented and promising young footballer. Luke Fleurs’ untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the harsh realities of violent crime in South Africa. May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Read the original article on Daily Maverick
