Zimbabwe international defender Divine Lunga escaped unharmed after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle in Johannesburg’s Hillbrow suburb on Sunday, according to local reports.
The 31-year-old, who plays for South African champions Mamelodi Sundowns, was reportedly driving through the area when an unidentified gunman fired at his car.
Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that authorities had opened an attempted murder investigation but said no arrests had been made. She did not disclose further details about the incident.
South African newspaper The Citizen reported that Lunga was travelling to church with his younger brother when they came under attack. The publication said the gunman may have mistaken the footballer for an undercover police officer.
The incident has renewed attention on South Africa’s high levels of violent crime, which continue to pose a major public safety challenge across the country.
Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021, Lunga has played a central role in the club’s success, helping them win four league titles and a second CAF Champions League trophy in May. He has also earned 21 appearances for Zimbabwe and was named in the Warriors’ squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor the Zimbabwe Football Association has commented publicly on the shooting. The Warriors, however, posted a photo of Lunga in prayer on social media with the caption, “In God we trust,” alongside his name, appearing to acknowledge the incident without offering further details.
By: Andrews Kwesi Yeboah