South African racing driver Robert Wolk, 41, has been identified as the man who was fatally shot in a road-rage incident in Kempton Park on Wednesday.
Wolk was killed at the intersection of Camwood Street and Portland Drive in Esther Park, the police confirmed.
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said investigators had opened a murder case, but no arrests had been made.
Witnesses said Wolk’s Audi was involved in a low-speed collision with a blue Volkswagen Jetta. Wolk reportedly got out of his vehicle to inspect the damage before a confrontation erupted between the two motorists.
Video footage of the incident has since spread widely on social media. It appears to show Wolk pleading with the other driver not to shoot him.
The killing has drawn widespread attention because of Wolk’s standing in South African motorsport. His racing career stretched across almost three decades and included multiple national championship victories.
Motorsport South Africa confirmed his death on Thursday, describing Wolk as a hugely respected figure in the sport.
He won the 2021 and 2022 SA GTC Championships before claiming the 2024 SA Touring Cars Championship.
“Robert’s passion for racing remained clear right to the end. He was still competing at the national level and was due to race at Killarney this weekend.
“His passing leaves a profound void in South African motorsport,” the team said.
Tributes have since poured in from fellow competitors, the wider motorsport fraternity and residents.
Wolk’s killing comes amid heightened police attention in Kempton Park following the deaths of nine women in and around the Ekurhuleni area.
Police have pledged to intensify operations and “lock down” Kempton Park as investigators search for those responsible for the killings.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
IOL News
