More than R380k raised for Pinetown father who protected his children during hijacking attempt

More than R380,000 has been raised for a Pinetown father who was injured while defending his children during an attempted hijacking captured on a viral video.

The incident, recorded on a car tracker dashcam at 8.05pm on October 9 2026, shows a man identified as Sydney Hill reacting instantly to armed assailants outside his home in KwaZulu-Natal.

In the video, Hill was seen driving out of his driveway in his bakkie with his daughter in the passenger seat, while his son stood outside the vehicle. A white car pulled up, blocking the bakkie, and two armed men rushed toward Hill’s window. Hill immediately reached for his firearm and shot at the attackers while shielding his daughter with his body.

During the exchange of gunfire, his son ran to the passenger side to pull his sister out of the vehicle while Hill continued to engage the hijackers.

One of the suspected hijackers was reportedly shot dead during the confrontation. Police subsequently arrested a 35-year-old suspect in connection with the attempt.

After the incident, Hill received a massive outpouring of support across social media for his bravery. A BackaBuddy campaign, which has generated more than R387,000, was launched four days ago to assist the family as they navigate the traumatic aftermath. The goal is to reach R500,000.

According to the campaign page, the funds will go towarsd legal fees and essential mental health support for the children.

“After a traumatic shooting incident, Hill is facing unexpected legal expenses, while the children who experienced the incident need ongoing professional trauma counselling to help them process what happened,” the campaign states.

“As a single father, Sydney carries the responsibility of caring for his children and providing them with a safe and stable future. The unexpected financial burden has placed him in a difficult position, and he cannot meet these additional costs on his own.”

The campaign organisers noted that while the full extent of the legal costs and long-term therapy fees is not yet clear, every contribution helps give the family “breathing room” to focus on healing.

Speaking in an interview with the Highway Mail, Hill, who works as a professional bodyguard, revealed his arm and leg were injured while trying to protect his children.

“I didn’t care about myself. Everything that happened was to protect my babies,” Hill said.

He expressed gratitude for the support. “I thank everyone for everything, the R10, R20, R50. It means so much to me and my children.”