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Zimbabwe international and Mamelodi Sundowns defender Divine Lunga escaped unharmed after a gunman opened fire on his vehicle in Johannesburg, South African police have confirmed.
The 31-year-old was travelling with his younger brother to church on Sunday when the attack occurred in the Hillbrow district of Johannesburg. Despite multiple shots being fired at their vehicle, both men escaped without injury.
South African police have launched an attempted murder investigation into the incident. Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed that no arrests have been made, while detectives continue efforts to identify the suspect and determine the motive behind the shooting.
According to local news-outlet The Citizen, investigators are exploring the possibility that the gunman may have mistaken Lunga for an undercover police officer before opening fire. However, authorities have not officially confirmed that claim.
Neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor the Zimbabwe Football Association had issued an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report.
The Zimbabwe national team, popularly known as the Warriors, later shared a photograph of Lunga in a prayerful pose on social media with the message, “In God we trust,” expressing gratitude for his safety after the frightening ordeal.
Lunga has made 21 appearances for Zimbabwe and remains a key member of the national team, featuring in the country’s campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021, the experienced defender has established himself as one of the club’s dependable performers, helping the South African champions secure multiple Premier Soccer League titles and their second CAF Champions League crown in May.
The shocking attack has once again raised concerns over violent crime in parts of Johannesburg, with police urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
