Zimbabwean Football Star Escapes Gun Attack in Johannesburg

Mon Sep 14 2026 10:49:01 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Divine Lunga survived a shooting while driving in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, underscoring the high crime rate in South Africa.

Zimbabwean defender Divine Lunga was shot at while driving in Johannesburg’s Hillbrow neighbourhood but escaped unharmed. The attack, reported by local police, highlights the alarming crime levels in South Africa. Lunga, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns and the Zimbabwe national team, has earned 21 caps and helped his club secure four domestic titles and a Champions League win. Police have not yet identified suspects, and the case remains under investigation.

Zimbabwean Football Star Escapes Gun Attack in Johannesburg

Zimbabwean footballer Divine Lunga survived a gun attack while driving in Johannesburg’s inner‑city suburb of Hillbrow, South African police have confirmed.

On a Sunday, Lunga was driving along Hillbrow when an unknown gunman opened fire at his car. The attacker allegedly mistook the player for an undercover police officer, causing the vehicle to be shot at but left Lunga unharmed.

According to Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, a spokesperson for the South African police, the incident is being investigated as an attempted murder though no arrests have yet been made.

Lunga, 31, plays for both the Zimbabwe national team – known as the Warriors – and the South African club Mamelodi Sundowns. He has earned 21 caps for Zimbabwe and was part of the squad during the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

His club, Mamelodi Sundowns, has been a dominant force in South African football since his arrival in 2021, winning four domestic league titles and helping secure the African Champions League in May of 2026.

South Africa continues to grapple with high crime rates, placing the country among the world’s leading homicide statistics. The Lunga shooting has drawn international attention to the escalating violence that affects everyday life in Johannesburg.

The Warriors’ official Twitter account posted a prayer‑inspired photo of Lunga following the incident, captioning it “In God we trust” and expressing support for the player’s safety. The club has yet to release an official statement on the matter.

The shootout serves as a stark reminder of the need for community resilience and public safety measures as a part of wider environmental and societal sustainability goals.