Luke Fleurs: Tributes pour across South Africa for slain Kaizer Chiefs defender

South African footballer Luke Fleurs was tragically slain in a botched hijacking on Wednesday evening sending shockwaves through the nation and the global sports community.

The 24-year-old Kaizer Chiefs defender was attacked while parked at a Honeydew petrol station in his red VW Golf 8 GTI, waiting to refuel.

According to police reports, armed assailants confronted Fleurs, pointed a firearm at him, forcibly removed him from his vehicle, and fatally shot him in the upper body before fleeing the scene.

The Premier Soccer League (PSL) announced that a moment of silence will be observed at all DStv Premiership, Motsepe Foundation Championship, and DStv Diski Challenge fixtures this weekend in memory of Fleurs.

 "The PSL is shocked and saddened by the tragic passing of Kaizer Chiefs defender, Luke Fleurs. In this moment of profound loss, the PSL extends deepest sympathies to Kaizer Chiefs Football Club, the Fleurs family, and the entire football community. May his soul repose peacefully," the League conveyed in a heartfelt statement.

Kaizer Chiefs, a team that has enjoyed Fleurs' defensive prowess and which stands as one of the most celebrated football clubs in South Africa, expressed its devastation over the loss. 

The club, with its rich history and 12 league titles, acknowledged the tragedy of his passing and its impact on the football fraternity and the nation at large.

Adding his voice to the chorus of tributes, Minister of Sport, Arts & Culture, Zizi Kodwa, took to social media to express his sorrow.

 "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," Kodwa posted.

The sentiment was echoed by celebrated soccer presenter Carol Tshabalala, who lamented the loss of what she termed a "bright flame" within the football community, highlighting the potential and passion Fleurs brought to the sport.

This tragic event has once again cast a spotlight on the escalating issue of gun violence within South Africa a country with one of the highest murder rates globally. 

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