Robert Wolk murder: ‘Road rage’ killing now alleged hit

South African racing champion Robert Wolk was allegedly one of four employees targeted in a planned hit that ended with his murder in Kempton Park.

Gunmen shot the 41-year-old dead in Esther Park on 16 September after a blue Volkswagen Jetta collided with his vehicle.

The shooting initially appeared to have followed a minor road incident. But the case has since taken a dramatic turn.

Police arrested three men, recovered the Jetta and seized a firearm as they investigated Wolk’s killing.

Prosecutors have since alleged that the accused deliberately followed Wolk from work before killing him.

Accused allegedly followed Wolk

Khotso Richard Mashao, Hlangananani Shezi and Muziwethu Mthethwa face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The State alleges someone hired Mashao to kill four employees at the company where Wolk worked. He then recruited Shezi and Mthethwa to help carry out the hit.

On 16 September, the men allegedly arrived at the company and found only Wolk at work.

They followed him when he left and later collided with his vehicle in Esther Park.

Wolk got out of his car before the gunmen allegedly shot him dead, took his cellphone and fled.

Video footage of the shooting later circulated widely on social media.

Police track down three suspects

Police launched a manhunt and arrested the first suspect in Spartan before tracing the other two to Enhlanzeni Hostel.

Officers also recovered the blue Volkswagen Jetta allegedly used in the attack.

Investigators established that criminals had allegedly hijacked the Jetta on 15 August and shot its owner seven times.

Police have also linked the vehicle to other serious crimes.

The investigation later led officers to Allandale Farm in Mayibuye, where they found a Beretta pistol with its serial number removed and 17 rounds of ammunition.

Investigators are working to establish whether the gun was used to kill Wolk.

Accused remain in custody

The three accused remain behind bars.

Mashao asked the Kempton Park Magistrate’s Court to postpone his bail application until 2 October, while his co-accused sought legal representation.

Wolk was preparing to race in Cape Town

Wolk was preparing to travel to Cape Town to compete at Killarney International Raceway when gunmen killed him.

His motorsport career spanned nearly three decades.

He won the SA Formula Volkswagen title in 2013, the SA Formula 1600 championship in 2015, consecutive SA GTC championships in 2021 and 2022 and the SA Touring Cars championship in 2024.

Earlier this year, Wolk secured his second Simola Hillclimb King of the Hill title.

Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie paid tribute to Wolk after his death and called for those responsible to face justice.