DURBAN – A Pinetown father who shot and killed a carjacker while protecting his daughter has become an international sensation, with his story capturing headlines across the globe.
Sidney Hill (53), from Pinetown in Durban, and his daughter were ambushed by five armed suspects on 9 October, just four days after moving into their home. The harrowing incident, captured on dashcam footage, has since gone viral on social media and attracted the attention of major international news outlets.
Hill was pulling out of his driveway in his Toyota Hilux with his daughter when the attackers, driving a Renault Kiger, opened fire on them. The operations manager, who has experience in the safety and security industry, immediately returned fire while shielding his terrified daughter.
In a gunfight lasting just 14 seconds, 27 shots rang out. One of the attackers was struck in the head and died at the scene, while the remaining four fled.
A neighbour who witnessed the incident described it as “like a warzone with bullet after bullet”. The neighbour said the shooting went on for about 20 seconds and they only came outside after police arrived to find a body lying in the driveway.
WARNING: NOT FOR SENSITIVE VIEWERS
The dramatic footage has sparked widespread admiration online, with social media users comparing Hill to action heroes. One commenter described him as “Chuck Norris”, while another joked: “Of all the people the carjackers could have picked on they got him.”
A Back-a-Buddy campaign has been launched to help the family cover unexpected legal expenses and provide ongoing trauma counselling for Hill’s children. In just two days, the fundraiser has raised almost R200 000 towards its R500 000 goal.
According to the campaign page, the financial burden has placed Hill in a difficult position. “The funds raised will help them cover the legal costs arising from the incident and provide consistent professional counselling for as long as the children need it,” the page states.
Visit Back-a-Buddy for more details.
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