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Driver opens fire to fend off attempted carjacking in South Africa

By Linda Ikeji 23 October 2026, 1:02 pm 0 comments

Viral dashcam footage has captured the dramatic moment a driver returned fire during an attempted carjacking in Pinetown, Durban.

A bakkie is an informal South African and Dutch term for a pickup truck, a light commercial vehicle featuring a closed cabin and an open rear cargo bed.

The incident occurred on Friday, October 9, along Lea Place in the Pinetown area. The father was driving out of his yard alongside his daughter in a Toyota Hilux bakkie, with his son standing near the gate, when an approaching white vehicle blocked them in. Armed men rushed the bakkie, with one suspect allegedly pointing a gun at the boy's head and another opening fire on the driver.

In response, the father drew his firearm and returned fire through the window as the bakkie rolled forward into a tree. Police confirmed that one suspect was fatally wounded during the exchange of gunfire, while the remaining attackers fled the scene in their vehicle.

Pinetown SAPS spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza confirmed that authorities have opened cases of attempted carjacking, attempted murder, and an inquest following the shooting.