Zimbabwe footballer Divine Lunga survives gun attack in Johannesburg

Zimbabwean international Divine Lunga has survived a gun attack in Johannesburg, South African police have confirmed.

The 31-year-old Mamelodi Sundowns defender was driving through the inner-city suburb of Hillbrow on Sunday when an unknown gunman opened fire on his car, according to local reports.

Lunga, who plays for both Zimbabwe's national team and the South African champions, escaped the attack physically unharmed. His younger brother, who was also in the vehicle, was not injured.

Police spokesperson Captain Tintswalo Sibeko said a case of attempted murder had been opened but no arrests had been made.

South African publication 'The Citizen' reported that Lunga and his brother were on their way to church when the attack occurred. The suspect is believed to have opened fire on their vehicle after apparently mistaking him for an undercover police officer.

The incident highlights South Africa's ongoing struggle with violent crime. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world, with Hillbrow known as one of Johannesburg's most dangerous neighbourhoods.

Lunga has earned 21 caps for Zimbabwe's national team and was part of the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

The defender joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021 and has since helped the club win four domestic league titles. In May, he was part of the Sundowns squad that clinched their second CAF Champions League title.

Neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor the Zimbabwe Football Association have officially commented on the shooting. However, the Warriors, as Zimbabwe's national team is known, posted a picture of Lunga in a prayer position on social media with the caption: "In God we trust" alongside his name.

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