PICTURE: X /@OFFICIALRNINTEL
South African motorsport is mourning the death of celebrated racing driver Robert Wolk, who was fatally shot during an alleged road-rage incident in Esther Park, Kempton Park, on Wednesday evening, 16 September 2026.
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Robert, 41, was killed on 16 September at the corner of Camwood Street and Portland Drive. Police confirmed that a murder case has been opened and that no arrests had been made at the time of the latest reports.
Parkland Dr,
Esther Park, Kempton Park,
Ekurhuleni: shooting.
Motive unclear.GRAPHIC ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/s2Id6kswM4
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) September 16, 2026
Argument escalates after collision
The incident reportedly began after a low-speed collision involving Robert’s Audi and a Volkswagen Jetta.
According to eyewitness accounts, Robert got out of his vehicle following the collision and an argument subsequently broke out between the motorists. Footage circulating online appears to show Robert attempting to move away from the confrontation before he was shot.
A man has been shot and killed in an alleged road rage incident in Kempton Park. Eye witnesses state that he got into a minor car collision with another vehicle. When he attempted to take pictures of the cars an argument ensued. It is alleged that they pulled out a gun and shot… pic.twitter.com/IKO7Gc8wHy
— Just Tumi (@TheDeveloperess) September 16, 2026
Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed that officers found Robert at the scene with gunshot wounds. He was declared dead at the scene, while an Audi believed to belong to him was also found nearby. The motive remains under investigation, The Citizen reported.
Reports also indicate that the incident was captured on surveillance footage, while witnesses gathered at the scene as emergency services responded.
Also see: Owen Ndlovu remembered as tributes pour in after his death
Police investigation continues
Police have opened a murder investigation as detectives work to establish exactly what happened before and after the shooting.
The publication added that some reports have alleged that Robert’s cellphone was taken after the shooting. Investigators are examining available footage, witness information and other evidence to identify those responsible. At the time of publication, police had not announced any arrests.
Motorsport community remembers Robert Wolk
Robert’s death has sent shockwaves through South African motorsport, where he was known for a career spanning almost three decades.
According to Motorsport South Africa, his achievements included South African Junior GP Karting Championship titles in 1995 and 1997, multiple Formula Ford championships, the 2013 SA Formula Volkswagen Championship, the 2015 SA Formula 1600 Championship, back-to-back SA GTC titles in 2021 and 2022, and the 2024 SA Touring Cars Championship.
He also won his second Simola Hillclimb King of the Hill title in May 2026 and returned to South African Touring Cars with a victory at Aldo Scribante in June. He remained an active competitor and was due to race at Killarney in Cape Town that weekend.
Motorsport South Africa described Robert as a hugely respected figure whose career included karting, single-seaters, touring cars and other forms of circuit racing. The organisation said his death leaves a profound void in the sport.
Tributes have since poured in from fellow competitors, fans and members of the motorsport community, with many remembering Robert for his achievements on the track and his character away from it.
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