South African motorsport star Robert Wolk shot dead in a road rage incident

South African motor racing star Robert Wolk (41) was shot dead on Wednesday evening, 16 September 2026, in Esther Park, Kempton Park

The SAPS (South African Police Service) confirmed that a murder investigation had been launched after Wolk was shot at the junction of Camwood Street and Portland Drive; no arrests have been made so far

A video of the shooting went viral on social media, showing the moments before and after Wolk’s death.

The South African motorsport community is in mourning after racing driver Robert Wolk was fatally shot in Kempton Park on the evening of Wednesday, 16 September 2026. Wolk, aged 41, had been preparing to fly to Cape Town to take part in a race in the South African Touring Car Championship when he was killed.

The South African Police Service confirmed that the incident took place at the junction of Camwood Street and Portland Drive in Esther Park. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi stated that the shooting was the result of a road rage incident and that Wolk was pronounced dead at the scene. An Audi, believed to have belonged to Wolk, was found nearby. No arrests have been made so far, and a murder investigation has been launched.

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Witnesses at the scene stated that Wolk’s Audi had made contact with a Volkswagen Jetta whilst travelling at low speed. When Wolk got out of his car to assess the damage, an altercation ensued with the other driver.

A video, which has since gone viral on social media, shows Wolk begging the other driver not to shoot him. Nevertheless, the other driver drew a firearm and shot Wolk in the back as he turned to walk away – in full view of bystanders, who hurriedly took cover. The footage then shows the shooter picking up an object from the ground before fleeing. Police spokesperson Nevhuhulwi stated that the motive is still under investigation.

Wolk’s career in South African motorsport spanned almost three decades and included karting, formula racing and touring car racing. His titles included several Formula Ford championships, the 2013 SA Formula Volkswagen title, the 2015 Formula 1600 title, and two consecutive SA GTC championships in 2021 and 2022.

In 2024, Wolk added another major success to his illustrious career when he won the South African Touring Car Championship. In May 2026, he secured his second ‘King of the Hill’ victory at the prestigious Simola Hill Climb in South Africa.

Motorsport South Africa paid tribute to Wolk, describing him as one of the most respected figures on the local racing scene. The organisation highlighted his career spanning almost 30 years, which included successes in karting, formula racing and touring car racing.

Motorsport South Africa stated that his death had left a huge void in the sport, and paid tribute to him not only for his numerous championship titles. Wolk was also praised for the passion, dedication and sportsmanship he had displayed throughout his career.

The organisation added that Wolk had remained active at national level right up until his death and was due to compete that weekend in Killarney.

Numerous tributes continue to pour in from fellow drivers, teams and fans, paying respect to a driver who will be remembered for his professionalism and modesty.