Zimbabwe international and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga escaped unharmed after gunmen opened fire on his vehicle in Johannesburg, prompting South African police to open an attempted murder investigation.
The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday in the Hillbrow suburb of Johannesburg while the 31-year-old footballer was travelling to church with his younger brother. According to local media reports, an unidentified assailant fired several shots at the vehicle carrying the pair.
Despite the attack, neither Lunga nor his brother sustained any injuries.
South African police have confirmed that an attempted murder case has been registered. Police spokesperson Tintswalo Sibeko said investigations are underway, although no arrests have been made so far.
Local publication *The Citizen* reported that the gunman may have mistaken Lunga for an undercover police officer before opening fire. However, authorities have not confirmed a motive, and the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.
Neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor the Zimbabwe Football Association had issued an official statement on the incident at the time of publication.
In a show of support, Zimbabwe’s national football team shared a photograph of Lunga in a prayerful pose on social media, accompanied by the message: In God we trust.
Lunga is a key figure for both club and country. The left-back has earned 21 caps for Zimbabwe and has been part of the Warriors squad during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
Since joining South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021, Lunga has established himself as an important member of the squad, contributing to the club’s sustained domestic dominance. He has helped Sundowns secure multiple league titles and was part of the team’s recent continental success, including their CAF Champions League triumph.
Police investigations into the shooting are ongoing, with authorities expected to provide further details as inquiries progress.
