Zimbabwean footballer Divine Lunga, 31, survived a gun attack in the inner city suburb of Hillbrow, Johannesburg, on Sunday; Police confirmed the incident, describing it as a case of attempted murder but reported no arrests had been made as of the time of publication.

Attack Details and Circumstances

Lunga was driving with his younger brother when their vehicle was shot at by an unknown gunman, but According to reports from South African publication The Citizen, the attack occurred as the pair were en route to church. The suspect reportedly mistook Lunga for an undercover police officer, according to local reports.

Hillbrow is a densely populated and historically high-crime area in Johannesburg, where crime remains a significant issue; South Africa continues to struggle with one of the highest murder rates globally, and incidents of targeted violence are not uncommon in urban centers.

Football Career and Response from Team

Lunga plays for both Zimbabwe’s national football team and Mamelodi Sundowns, a top South African club. He has made 21 appearances for the national team, known as the Warriors, and was part of the squad for the upcoming Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers.

Since joining Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021, Lunga has contributed to several domestic league titles and the club’s second African Champions League title in May 2024 — Despite his key role on the field, neither the club nor the national team has made a formal statement regarding the shooting.

The Warriors, however, shared a post on social media featuring a picture of Lunga in a prayer position with the caption “In God we trust” alongside his name, expressing solidarity and support.

Public Reaction and Context

While no official statements have been made from the football clubs, the incident has sparked concern among fans and the broader football community. Lunga’s survival is seen as fortunate given the high number of violent crimes reported in the region. Captain Tintswalo Sibeko of South African police said investigations were ongoing, but no further details were provided.

The attack highlights the dangers faced by public figures in high-crime areas. Lunga’s role in both the national and club teams highlights his importance in Zimbabwean and South African football. His current condition is stable, and there have been no reports of injuries sustained during the attack.