Zimbabwe international and Mamelodi Sundowns defender, Divine Lunga survived an apparent assassination attempt after a gunman opened fire on his vehicle in Johannesburg on Sunday, with South African police investigating the incident as attempted murder.
Lunga, 31, was driving through the inner-city suburb of Hillbrow with his younger brother on their way to church when an unidentified suspect shot at their vehicle, according to local media reports.
Both men escaped unharmed.
Police spokesperson Captain, Tintswalo Sibeko confirmed authorities had opened an attempted murder investigation but said no arrests had been made.
Local publication, The Citizen reported the gunman may have mistaken Lunga for an undercover police officer before opening fire.
Neither Zimbabwe’s football association, nor Mamelodi Sundowns immediately commented on the incident.
Zimbabwe’s national team, the Warriors, later posted a photograph of Lunga in a prayer position on social media alongside the message: “In God we trust.”
Lunga has made 21 appearances for Zimbabwe and featured in the country’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
The defender joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021 and has since helped the South African club win multiple league titles, including their second African Champions League crown in May.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
