A South African footballer and Olympian has been tragically killed aged 24 after being shot dead in a botched car hijacking, according to reports.

Kaiser Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs was allegedly fatally wounded during the shocking attempt in the Florida region of Gauteng, ten miles west of Johannesburg.

The devastating incident is said to have taken place on Wednesday evening.

SA Police Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Mavela Masondo told Sunday World in South Africa: “The police are waiting for information on the incident for now.

“We will comment further on the matter as soon as we gather the details thereof.”

Sports news website iDiski Times added that a family member of Fleurs confirmed the news.

Kaiser Chiefs are yet to make a public statement.

But comments flooded in from heartbroken fans stunned and saddened by the awful news.

One said: “REST IN PEACE LUKE. It is too sad and sorry, my heartfelt condolences to his loved ones. RIP.”