Late-Night Petrol Station Brawl Sparks Compensation Claims in KwaZulu-Natal
- A late-night petrol station dispute escalated into violence between local businessmen and their families
- This comes after a viral video captured a confrontation involving a VW Golf GTI and an Ashok Leyland Dost
- Compensation negotiations follow the altercation, with claims of physical violence and damage costs
Justin Williams, a journalist at Briefly News since 2024, covers South Africa’s current affairs. Before joining Briefly News, he served as a writer and chief editor at Right for Education Africa’s South African chapter.
Source: Twitter
KWAZULU-NATAL, STANGER - A late-night visit to a petrol station in Stanger Manor turned violent after an alleged dispute over drag racing escalated into a confrontation involving two businessmen and their families.
Pillay blocked him in with his Golf
On Sunday, 21 February 2026, a viral video showed the driver of an Ashok Leyland Dost repeatedly reversing into a VW Golf 5 GTI at the Stanger Manor Engen garage before fleeing. According to the Post, the Golf belongs to local businessman Mervin Pillay (49). Jaden Naidoo (30), of Ballito, said he was at the garage with his 23-year-old sister when a man identified as Ranen allegedly insisted she race him after spotting her modified Jetta parked next to Naidoo's bakkie.
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Naidoo claimed he refused and that Ranen pushed him, sparking an altercation. He alleged Pillay later blocked him in with his Golf, dared him to ram it and punched him during the chaos. Naidoo admitted to ramming the vehicle and said he has agreed to pay Ranen's R2,000 medical bill, R700 for a damaged shirt and about R25,000 in vehicle repairs. Pillay disputed this version, alleging that Naidoo head-butted Ranen, breaking his nose, and that two women attacked Ranen's wife. He said he blocked the Dost to prevent Naidoo from leaving before police arrived and only punched him after his vehicle was rammed. Lee Subraylu of the Stanger Manor CPF confirmed the 21 February 2026 incident and said patrols would be increased. Pillay has not opened a police case but may do so if the agreement is not honoured.
Source: Twitter
Other road-rage incidents in SA
A harrowing account of road rage by a taxi driver went viral, highlighting the severe safety risks faced by motorists when a father was assaulted and his family threatened. The confrontation began on Hindle Road, Cape Town, after a minor collision involving a taxi that disregarded the right-of-way and forced its way, ignoring the rules of the road. The victim explained that after his car bumper was hooked by the taxi's tow bar, he got out to check the damage.
The gloves came off for two full-grown men during a recent road rage incident on a busy Gauteng road. Instead of talking it out, the pair rolled with the punches and put on a show for other motorists in a daring brawl caught on camera. Fists flew in the ensuing moments, one taking the brunt of the punishment. He is bundled to the ground twice as his opponent unleashes a flurry of blows.
Chatsworth e-hailing drivers rally at police station
Briefly News also reported that e-hailing drivers in Chatsworth, Durban, say they were assaulted over the weekend and are calling for urgent police action.
Representatives from the KZN E-Hailing Council met with police to raise safety concerns and demand a formal stakeholder meeting.
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Source: Briefly News
