SA racing star Robert Wolk killed in Kempton Park shooting

South African motorsport is mourning the death of acclaimed racing driver Robert Wolk, who was shot dead in Kempton Park in an apparent road-rage incident on Wednesday evening.

According to The Citizen, Wolk, 41, was killed at the corner of Camwood Street and Portland Drive in Esther Park. Police spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Wolk was declared dead at the scene and that a murder case had been opened, with no arrests made.

South Africa – Kempton Park
Rest in peace, Robert 🇿🇦💔🕯️
Robert Wolk was a multiple South African champion who raced for nearly three decades, from karting through touring cars, and was still competing at a high level in 2026. He died after being shot during a road-rage… https://t.co/6nsVRBUJLK pic.twitter.com/u6fJi9BFsb

👻🇿🇦PhantomXMusik69🎶🎭 (@PhantomXMusic69) September 17, 2026

Witnesses reportedly told police that Wolk’s Audi was involved in a low-speed collision with a Volkswagen Jetta. An altercation followed after Wolk got out of his vehicle to assess the damage. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation.

TimesLIVE reported that Wolk had been due to compete at a racing event in Cape Town this weekend. The event organisers paid tribute to him, describing him as ‘a friend to us all, always positive, always smiling’.

Wolk’s death has sent shockwaves through the South African racing community. His career spanned almost three decades and included success in karting, single-seaters, touring cars and circuit racing.

🚨 SOUTH AFRICAN RACING CHAMPION ROBERT WOLK KILLED IN ROAD RAGE SHOOTING

KEMPTON PARK, SOUTH AFRICA – The immediate loss is to South African motorsport, but the wider impact falls on public perceptions of personal safety. Wolk was a nationally known athlete carrying out an… pic.twitter.com/kLxWTETdwj

The Content Factory (@tcf_updates) September 18, 2026

Motorsport South Africa said he had won multiple Formula Ford titles, the 2013 South African Formula Volkswagen Championship, the 2015 Formula 1600 Championship, the 2021 and 2022 SA GTC championships and the 2024 SA Touring Cars Championship.

The organisation described Wolk as ‘a hugely respected figure in South African motorsport’ and said his death had left a ‘profound void’ in the sport.

It said that Wolk remained active at national level and was still competing shortly before his death.

REST IN PEACE, ROBERT WOLK

Motorsport South Africa is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Robert Wolk.

A multiple South African champion and a familiar name in our national racing scene, Robert leaves behind a remarkable motorsport legacy spanning almost three decades.

He… pic.twitter.com/HJIGiivk5B

Motorsport SA (MSA) (@MotorsportSA) September 17, 2026

He also won his second Simola Hillclimb King of the Hill title in May 2026.

Police are continuing to investigate the shooting, including the motive, and no suspect had been arrested at the time of publication.

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Words: Betha Madhomu / AfricanInsider