Police are still searching for the gunmen who opened fire on the vehicle of Zimbabwe international and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, at the weekend.
The 31-year-old footballer escaped unharmed when shots were fired at his blue BMW on Sunday. A case of attempted murder was subsequently opened at the Hillbrow police station.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed on Wednesday morning that no arrests had yet been made.
“I can confirm that a case of attempted murder was opened at Hillbrow police station following an incident that occurred on Sunday.
“No injuries were sustained, and no arrests have been made at this stage.
“Police investigations are ongoing.”
Mistaken Identity and Gunfire
It is understood that Lunga was driving along Tudhope Street with friends when they were stopped by an unidentified man who alleged that the occupants of a vehicle ahead had robbed him of R34,000.
The man had apparently mistaken Lunga and his companions for undercover traffic officers.
In what appears to have been an attempt to assist, Lunga and his friends reportedly followed the vehicle pointed out by the man. However, the situation escalated rapidly when one of the occupants of the vehicle allegedly opened fire.
A bullet struck Lunga’s BMW during the incident.
It was reported that Lunga was on his way to church with his younger brother at the time of the shooting.
The motive behind the shooting remains under investigation, and police have not released any further details about the suspects or the vehicle involved.
Club and Country Yet to Comment Officially
By Wednesday morning, neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor the Zimbabwe Football Association had issued an official statement regarding the incident.
However, Zimbabwe’s national team, the Warriors, shared a symbolic message on social media. The team posted a picture of Lunga in a prayer position with the caption: “In God we trust”.
The message was widely interpreted as a show of solidarity and gratitude that the defender had survived the ordeal without injury.
Despite the traumatic experience, Lunga reported for pre-season training with Sundowns on Monday, underlining both his physical well-being and his commitment to the club ahead of the new campaign.
Sundowns are expected to depart for a training camp in Austria later this week as preparations intensify for the upcoming season.
A Key Figure for Sundowns and Zimbabwe
Lunga joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Golden Arrows in 2021 and has since established himself as a consistent presence in the squad.
During his time with the Tshwane giants, he has won four league titles and was part of the team that lifted its second CAF Champions League trophy in May.
On the international stage, he has earned 21 caps for Zimbabwe and remains a regular feature in the Warriors set-up.
The incident has unsettled fans and observers alike, particularly given the high-profile nature of the player involved and the brazenness of the shooting in a busy inner-city suburb.
Painful Memories for Zimbabwean Football
The attack has also revived painful memories within Zimbabwean football circles.
Four years ago, in February 2022, former Warriors defender Charles Yohane was shot and killed during a hijacking in Soweto. His death shocked the football fraternity and highlighted the risks faced by players off the field.
While Lunga was fortunate to escape unharmed, the latest shooting once again raises concerns about violent crime and the vulnerability of public figures on South Africa’s roads.
For now, police investigations continue as authorities work to track down those responsible.
As the new football season approaches, attention will remain on developments in the case — and on Lunga’s return to action with both club and country after a narrow brush with danger.
