South African footballer Luke Fleurs has died after he was shot dead in a carjacking incident at a petrol station in the Johannesburg suburb of Florida on Wednesday night, police in the country said.

According to the BBC, the 24-year-old, who was playing for PSL side Kaizer Chiefs before his death, was waiting to be attended to at the petrol station when he was ambushed by gunmen and ordered out of his car.

One of the perpetrators fled the scene with Fleurs’ car after he was shot once in the upper body, causing his death.

Speaking to local media, Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo said, “The suspects pointed [at] him with a firearm and took him out of his vehicle, then shot him once on the upper body.”

Meanwhile, Kaizer Chiefs, in a statement, said Fleurs’ death is a great deal of sadness for the club, stating that the South African Police Service (SAPS) is already investigating the incident.

“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,” the club statement said.

They added: “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.”