In brief
Zimbabwe's Divine Lunga, a key defender for Mamelodi Sundowns, was attacked while driving in Johannesburg's Hillbrow suburb. Police say the shots were fired by an unknown gunman who mistakenly believed Lunga was an undercover officer. The 31‑year‑old escaped unharmed, but no arrests have been announced. The incident highlights South Africa's high crime rate and concerns over athlete safety.
Zimbabwean defender Divine Lunga, 31, survived a gun attack while driving in Johannesburg’s inner-city suburb of Hillbrow. Police say the vehicle was targeted by an unknown gunman who mistook Lunga for an undercover officer.
The shots caused no injuries, and the 31‑year‑old was unharmed, but the incident sparked a city-wide investigation. Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that an attempted‑murder case is open and that no arrests have been made.
Reports indicate Lunga was on his way to church with his younger brother at the time of the attack. He is a prominent defender for Mamelodi Sundowns and has earned 21 caps for the Zimbabwe national team, recently participating in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021, Lunga has helped secure four domestic league titles and a second African Champions League victory in May. No official statements from the club or the national team have been released, though the Warriors posted a prayer image of Lunga with the caption “In God we trust.”
South Africa’s crime statistics remain alarming, ranking among the world’s highest murder rates. The incident has reignited discussions on the safety of high-profile athletes in the region.
