Luke Fleurs murder suspects linked to Joburg’s infamous car hijacking syndicate

The six men accused of the hijacking and murder of Kaizer Chiefs defender Luke Fleurs, Ndumiso Mswane, Fernando Siva, Nlhakanipho Dlamini, Franky Xaba, Maredi Mphahlele, and Thembinkosi Hlomikhawu, may be part of a larger hijacking syndicate operating in the Gauteng province.

This revelation emerged during their bail application hearing at the Roodepoort Magistrate’s Court on Thursday.

Prosecutor Arnold Limekhaya, representing the state, has indicated their intention to oppose bail for the accused.

Citing an affidavit from the investigating officer, Limekhaya revealed that police received information from an informant on April 7, 2024, regarding the suspects being seen driving a red VW Polo GTI, identified as Fleurs’ vehicle, without registration plates in Skoonplaas.

Further information received the following day placed the suspects and the vehicle in Slovoville, where they were observed entering a yard and concealing the car behind a dilapidated Mitsubishi. Upon police arrival at the location, the suspects fled the scene.

The affidavit also revealed that witnesses who had seen the suspects driving Fleurs’ vehicle on multiple occasions were able to identify them, suggesting a possible pattern of criminal activity.

This information, coupled with the attempt to conceal the stolen vehicle, strengthens the suspicion that the accused may be involved in a wider hijacking network.

The potential link to a larger criminal operation raises concerns about the safety of the community and the need to dismantle such syndicates.


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