Johannesburg Gun Attack: Zimbabwean Footballer Divine Lunga Escapes Unharmed

Zimbabwean international footballer, Divine Lunga, has miraculously survived a gun attack in Johannesburg, South Africa, authorities confirmed. The 31-year-old star, who represents both his national team and South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns, was reportedly driving through the inner-city area of Hillbrow on Sunday, July 5, 2026, when unknown assailants opened fire on his vehicle. Despite the terrifying ordeal, Lunga emerged from the incident without physical injury.

South African police spokesperson, Captain Tintswalo Sibeko, verified the occurrence, stating that an investigation into a case of attempted murder has been launched. However, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting at the time of this report. Further details were not disclosed by the police.

According to insights from the South African publication, The Citizen, Lunga was en route to church with his younger brother when the attack transpired. The report suggests that the suspect might have mistakenly identified the footballer as an undercover police officer, leading to the gunfire.

Lunga boasts 21 appearances for the Zimbabwean national team, affectionately known as the Warriors, and was a key member of their squad for the upcoming Fifa World Cup 2026 qualifiers. He joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 2021, where he has been instrumental in securing four domestic league titles and their second African Champions League trophy just last May.

While neither Mamelodi Sundowns nor the Zimbabwean national team has issued an official statement regarding the shooting, the Warriors did post a picture of Lunga in a prayer pose on their social media, accompanied by the caption, 'In God we trust,' alongside his name. This incident highlights the persistent issue of high crime rates and insecurity prevalent in South Africa, which is known for having one of the world's highest murder rates.