South African police have launched an attempted murder investigation after Zimbabwe international Divine Lunga narrowly escaped unharmed when gunmen opened fire on his vehicle in Johannesburg.
The 30-year-old defender, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning South African Premiership champions, was driving a blue BMW with friends along Tudhope Street in Hillbrow on Sunday when the incident occurred.
According to a police statement, the group was approached by an unidentified man who mistakenly believed they were undercover traffic police. The man reportedly claimed that occupants of a nearby vehicle had just robbed him of 34,000 South African rand and appealed for assistance.
Believing they were helping the victim, Lunga and his companions followed the suspected vehicle. During the pursuit, one of the occupants allegedly opened fire, striking Lunga’s BMW before fleeing the scene.
Police confirmed that at least one bullet hit the vehicle, but no one inside was injured.
A case of attempted murder has since been opened at Hillbrow Police Station, with investigators working to identify and apprehend those responsible. No arrests have been made.
Images circulating on social media appear to show a bullet hole in the bodywork of the footballer’s luxury vehicle, underscoring how close the occupants came to being injured.
Although Lunga escaped without physical harm, local media reports say the Zimbabwean international was left deeply shaken by the incident.
The shooting has renewed concerns over violent crime in parts of Johannesburg, where armed robberies, carjackings, and gun-related attacks remain a significant public safety challenge. It also highlights the risks faced by high-profile public figures, including professional athletes, who have increasingly become victims of violent crime in South Africa.
Lunga, a key member of Zimbabwe’s national football team, has played for Mamelodi Sundowns since joining the club in 2021 and has been part of several domestic league-winning campaigns.
