Northern Cape Driver Shot Despite Pleading for His Life in Chilling Video, SA Demands Justice
- Dashcam video captured a shooting incident in the Northern Cape after two men hijacked a motorist
- Footage of the incident showed the driver pleading with his attackers, telling them he had young children, before he was shot
- Social media users weighed in on the incident, calling for the attackers to be found and justice to be taken
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Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
NORTHERN CAPE – Video showing the shooting of a 36-year-old driver in Kuruman, after he pleaded for his life, has sparked outrage online and calls for justice.
The man was shot in the face and shoulder on Thursday, 6 August 2026, after stopping to give two strangers a lift near the Bankara T-junction in Kuruman, Northern Cape.
What made the incident even more chilling is that footage from the dashcam showed the man pleading for his life, telling his attackers he had young children at home, before one of them pulled the trigger anyway.
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You can watch the chilling video HERE.
Man shot after picking up hitchhikers
According to Kuruman SAPS, the incident happened at around 18:00, with the victim driving a Toyota Quantum with one passenger, before he pulled over at the hitch-hiking spot at the Bankara T-junction, where two men got in.
Once inside the vehicle, one of the two men produced a firearm and forced the driver out of his seat to the row behind. In the video clip, the men could be seen constantly threatening the victim as he began pleading with them. He was then shot in the face and shoulder.
SAPS is investigating a case of attempted murder and has confirmed the driver survived. Rumours circulating on social media suggest the suspects may be from Lesotho, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Viral call made to find the suspects
Images of the suspects have since been circulated on social media, as appeals have been made to help find the men responsible for the crime.
A post by X user @Kgadi_yaMoloto on Saturday, 8 August 2026, calling on the public to help SAPS trace the two men spread rapidly, drawing more than 222,000 views. Her comment accompanying the post captured what many were feeling.
South Africans react to Kuruman shooting
South Africans were deeply shaken by the news and spoke out on social media:
@MyGoodman12 said:
"Glad the driver is alive, speedy recovery to him. Hopefully the cops catch the perpetrators soon. People should also stop giving lifts to strangers."
@NashNizzo wrote:
"So, now they will be arrested, a docket opened and brought before the court. They will plead, and it will be postponed for either bail or further investigation despite evidence. What an inconvenience for a father, brother, son and breadwinner. It’s the life we are exposed to in Mzansi."
@moliseseoe wrote:
"I've never seen such brutality in my life before! They must be found and dealt with harshly. One should ask oneself how many of these cruel incidents happen inside vehicles with no dash cameras."
@mashhhd appealed:
"Please, please, please, can't we do anything to pressurise the government to bring the death penalty? If you don't respect other people's lives, why should yours be respected."
@Hasman7455 said:
"And the guy was pleading with them not to kill him; he's got kids. Speedy recovery to you, brother. These thugs are heartless."
E-hailing driver shoots dead one man
Briefly News reported that an e-hailing driver in the Western Cape shot dead one man and injured another during a botched robbery.
The driver had taken a few clients to Strandfontein when they attempted to rob him after the trip, prompting him to fight back.
South Africans are fearful that the e-hailing driver will face murder charges and be arrested for the crime.
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Source: Briefly News
