More than 840 strangers have come together to raise R360,000 for a KwaZulu-Natal father who was shot while protecting his children during an attempted hijacking.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (27 October 2026) – South Africans have an incredible way of showing up for each other when it matters most. And while the story of Sidney Hill began with a terrifying attempted hijacking that could have ended in tragedy, what has happened since is pure Ubuntu and kindness in action! Hundreds of strangers have opened their hearts and wallets to help a father and his children recover, raising more than R360,000 in just a few days.
On the 9th of October 2026, Sidney, a single father of four and professional bodyguard from KwaZulu-Natal, was leaving his home in the Manors area of Pinetown to buy bread and milk with two of his children when armed men attempted to hijack his vehicle. Sidney fought back, exchanging gunfire with the suspects. He was shot in the arm and knee, one alleged hijacker was fatally wounded, and another suspect was subsequently arrested.
Dashcam footage captured the entire incident and quickly spread across social media, with many South Africans dubbing Hill “South Africa’s John Wick“. But behind the dramatic footage and viral headlines was a father who had experienced every parent’s worst nightmare.
Sensitive Viewer Warning -video shared with Arrive Alive.. 3 perpetrators killed in an attempted hijacking! Hijack Prevention Guidelines – How can we better protect ourselves?
https://t.co/2cSWr3dFMi
#ArriveAlive #Hijacking #CarJacking #Crime #NHPA
@SAPoliceService @GovernmentZA
@Cartrack @LiveTrafficNPC— Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) October 22, 2026
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“My children mean the world to me, I will die for my kids without hesitation, I did not care what was going to happen to me but knowing that they were protected eased me.”
He also shared how heartbreaking it was knowing his children had witnessed the violence.
“My kids know what I do for a living but seeing it live makes my heart sore. I never wanted them to experience that and see that side of me.”
Thankfully, his children were physically unharmed, although the emotional impact of the ordeal has been significant. Sidney is recovering from his injuries and his children are receiving professional counselling to help them process what happened.
Following the incident, a crowdfunding campaign called “Sidney Hijacking Survivor” was launched on BackaBuddy to help the family navigate the difficult road ahead. The campaign has a target of R500,000, intended to assist with legal expenses arising from the incident and trauma counselling for his children. As of the 27th of October, 858 people have donated R365,233.
According to the Highway Mail, Sidney has been overwhelmed by support from South Africans and people around the world. It is an outpouring of generosity he never expected, especially during such a difficult chapter in his family’s life.
And the kindness began almost immediately after the shooting. Sidney’s neighbour, Des Brown, was among the first to respond, reportedly blocking the road with his vehicle and contacting Blue Security to assist. It was another example of ordinary people stepping forward when someone needed help.
Police have confirmed that a 35-year-old suspect was arrested following the incident and faces several charges. Importantly, Sidney has not been charged with any wrongdoing, according to the latest reports, although legal proceedings connected to the incident may still require his involvement.
For now, the focus is on helping Sidney recover and ensuring his children receive the care and support they need.
What happened to Sidney and his children was frightening. No family should ever have to experience something like this. But the kindness that has followed deserves just as much attention as the incident itself.
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