A 24-year-old footballer from Kaizer Chiefs was tragically killed in a car-jacking incident at a Johannesburg petrol station last week. According to police reports, six suspects were apprehended in Soweto on Wednesday morning, and are believed to be part of a criminal syndicate responsible for car hijackings in the Gauteng province. Authorities are still searching for additional suspects.
The victim, who has not been named, was reportedly waiting to refuel his vehicle when he was approached by armed assailants who demanded he exit the car. One of the suspects then shot the footballer in the upper body, resulting in his death.
Kaizer Chiefs, a popular South African football club with 12 league championships, released a statement expressing their sadness over the incident. The player had joined the team last year after previously playing for SuperSport United. He was also a former Under-23 international who represented South Africa at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa expressed his condolences, stating that he was saddened by the loss of another life due to violent crime. The suspects are expected to appear in court on Friday.
