GAUTENG – Three people have been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of South African racing champion Robert Wolk in Kempton Park, Gauteng.

Wolk (41) was shot dead while on his way to catch a flight to Cape Town, where he was due to compete in a race at Killarney International Raceway this weekend.

Gauteng police confirmed that one person was arrested on Thursday 18 September, while two further arrests were made on Friday 19 September.

Wolk was shot at the corner of Camwood Street and Portland Drive in Kempton Park. He was declared dead at the scene.

An Audi believed to belong to Wolk was also found at the scene and a murder case was opened.

Minor crash before shooting

Gauteng police spokesperson Col Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi said Wolk was allegedly involved in a minor collision before getting out of his vehicle to photograph the scene.

According to Nevhuhulwi, CCTV captured the subsequent shooting, with footage of the incident since circulating widely online.

Information gathered at the scene indicated that Wolk’s Audi had collided with a Volkswagen Jetta. He reportedly got out of his vehicle to assess the damage before an argument allegedly broke out.

Video footage circulating on social media appears to show Wolk speaking to the other driver before a firearm is produced where he was fatally shot.

Nevhuhulwi told Nova News the vehicle and firearm believed to have been used in the commission of this crime have also been confiscated for further investigations.

All three suspects, aged between 24 and 33 years, are expected to appear before Kempton Park Magistrates’ court on Monday 21 September on a charge of murder.

Wolk was due to race at Killarney

Wolk’s death has sent shockwaves through South African motorsport, with Killarney International Raceway confirming that he was due to compete at the circuit this weekend.

“South African motorsport is reeling in profound shock at the passing of Robert Wolk under tragic circumstances on Wednesday 16 September, at the age of only 41,” Killarney said.

The raceway said his absence would be particularly painful for the motorsport community.

Wolk’s racing career spanned almost three decades, beginning in karting before he went on to achieve success in single-seaters, touring cars and other forms of circuit racing.

Three decades of racing success

He won the South African Junior GP Kart Championship in 1995 and 1997, followed by multiple Formula Ford championships.

His achievements included the 2013 SA Formula Volkswagen Championship, the 2015 SA Formula 1600 Championship, the 2021 and 2022 SA GTC Championships and the 2024 SA Touring Cars Championship.

He was awarded South African Junior Protea Colours in 1998 and later received his Senior Protea Colours in 2022.

‘A profound void’ in motorsport

Motorsport South Africa described Wolk as a “hugely respected figure”.

The organisation said he continued competing at national level in 2026, winning his second Simola Hillclimb King of the Hill title in May before returning to South African Touring Cars and winning at Aldo Scribante in June.

“Robert’s passion for racing remained clear right to the end,” Motorsport South Africa said.

Killarney said Wolk would be remembered not only for his achievements but also for his character.

“Robbie Wolk will be remembered in paddocks around the country as a gentle, humble and genuinely kind person, who brought passion, commitment and sportsmanship to his chosen sport,” the raceway said.

Motorsport South Africa said his passing had left “a profound void in South African motorsport”.

“Our thoughts are with Robert’s family, friends, team members, colleagues and everyone across the motorsport community who knew him,” the organisation said.

ALSO READ: Former F1 driver turned Paralympic champion Zanardi dies