South African Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa and former Bafana Bafana skipper Lucas Radebe are among those who have paid tributes to slain Kaizer Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs.
The 24-year-old was shot and killed during a hijacking incident that took place in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The gruesome murder of the Cape Town-born player was confirmed by his club and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
“It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce that Kaizer Chiefs player Luke Fleurs tragically lost his life last night during a hijacking incident in Johannesburg,” Chiefs said in a statement.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time. The SAPS are handling the matter and further details will be communicated in due course.
“May his dear soul rest in peace.”
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. pic.twitter.com/h7XFpZFNS6
— Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture (@zizikodwa) April 4, 2024
The sports fraternity has responded to the news of Fleurs with shock, drawing messages of condolences from prominent figures including Kodwa.
“I am saddened by the passing of Kaizer Chiefs defender and former junior international Luke Fleurs,” Kodwa wrote on his X (formerly Twitter) page.
“I am saddened that, yet another life has been cut short due to violent crime. My thoughts are with the Fleurs and Amakhosi families and the entire South African football fraternity.”
Chiefs and Bafana legend Radebe said he is “very sad indeed crime is on another level, another talent gone so soon. My condolences Kaizer Chiefs and the family of Luke Fleurs #MHSRiP.”
Very sad indeed crime is on another level ,another talent gone so soon. Me condolences @KaizerChiefs and the Family of Luke Fleurs #MHSRiP 🕊️🕊️ https://t.co/DAFXB29kBH
— Lucas Radebe (@LucasRadebe) April 4, 2024
The South African Football Association said: “Our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Luke Fleurs. May his soul rest in peace.”
The SA Football Players’ Union urged the police to make sure that the perpetrators are brought to book.
Fleurs joined the Soweto giants in October as a free agent and was yet to make his Amakhosi debut.
Before his dream move to Naturena, the star player had turned out for SuperSport United in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and Ubuntu Cape Town in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The league has also paid tributes to the star and confirmed moment silence will be observed in all the matches that are under their banner this weekend.
Everyone at SuperSport United is saddened to learn of the passing of former Spartan, Luke Fleurs 💙
— SuperSport United FC (@SuperSportFC) April 4, 2024
Our deepest condolences to the Fleurs family, friends and everyone at @KaizerChiefs. 🕊
May your soul Rest In eternal Peace. 🙏#MatsatsantsaUnified pic.twitter.com/nLIXSURrXH
“PSL is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Kaizer Chiefs defender, Luke Fleurs,” the league said.
“In this moment of profound loss, the PSL extends deepest sympathies to Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, the Fleurs family, and the entire football community.
“In tribute to Luke’s memory, a moment of silence will be observed at all DStv Premiership, Motsepe Foundation Championship, and DStv Diski Challenge fixtures this weekend. May his soul repose peacefully.”
Chiefs are due to travel to Chippa United for a league clash at East London’s Buffalo City Stadium on Saturday at 15:00.
The league has not said if the match will be postponed as it has been a norm when a club loses a member of the team.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Kaizer Chiefs defender, Luke Fleurs.
— Official PSL (@OfficialPSL) April 4, 2024
In this moment of profound loss, the PSL extends deepest sympathies to Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, the Fleurs family, and the entire football community.
In… pic.twitter.com/F0biFYNIvW
