Fleurs’ ‘real killers’ may still be at large, court hears
The Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Thursday heard that football player Luke Fleurs’ real killers could still be at large.
The six men arrested in connection with the 24-year-old's hijacking and murder in Honeydew last month made their fourth appearance in court, where the state opposed their bid to be released on bail.
Fleurs, who played his football for Kaizer Chiefs, was seated in his car with a passenger when two males jumped from a vehicle that had parked behind them, carrying firearms.
While Fleurs’ passenger managed to escape, the player was forced out of the car and was shot when he tried to fight back.
The two men made off with his red Polo GTI, while in the getaway vehicle followed.
Fleurs was rushed to Flora Clinic where he was declared dead on arrival.
NdumisoMoswane(26), Fernando Sive (25), Nhlakanipho Dlamini(21), Franky Xaba (25), Maredi Mphahlele (36), Thembinkosi Hlomikhawu (31) were arrested in Slovoville last month.
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According to the state, cellphone records show that an unknown person told accused number four in the matter, Franky Xaba, that if they were to be arrested for the crime they should confess and protect his/her identity.
State prosecutor Shadrack Temeki read the investigating officer’s statement: “On Tuesday, 9 April 2024, an operation to trace the applicants was conducted. They were subsequently found and arrested at their hiding place.
“During the arrest, Franky Xaba’s mobile phone was seized and a communication with an unknown person was noticed. This communication was to the effect that if the applicants get arrested, they must confess to the crime because they don’t want their names to come out as they could also be arrested.”
It also emerged in court that accused number one, Ndumiso Mswane, requested the hideout where the Fleurs’ vehicle was found stripped.
This was reportedly confirmed by the owner of the address, who informed officers that Mswane requested the parking space in return for a fee or favour.
In his statement, the investigating officer further said the accused’s hiding the vehicle, for which they face a charge of defeating the ends of justice, was to protect the triggermen, which was evident in the intercepted communication on Xaba’s phone.
The group faces charges of murder (common purpose), robbery with aggravating circumstances and defeating the ends of justice after the unlawful possession of firearm and ammunition charges were dropped.
