Campaign for Pinetown father shot in hijacking passes R380,000
A BackaBuddy campaign for Sydney Hill, injured while defending his children in an attempted hijacking on 9 October, has raised more than R380,000 toward a R500,000 goal. The money will pay legal fees and counselling for the children.
The attempted hijacking happened in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal, at 8.05pm on 9 October 2026. A car tracker dashcam recorded it, and the video went viral. Hill is a professional bodyguard.
The campaign page says Hill faces unexpected legal expenses and the children need ongoing professional trauma counselling. Organisers said the full cost of legal fees and long-term therapy is not yet clear.
Reports said one of the suspected hijackers was shot dead during the confrontation. A 35-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the attempt.
Hill spoke to a local newspaper about the support. He said: "I thank everyone for everything, the R10, R20, R50. It means so much to me and my children."
Key facts
- Who
- Sydney Hill (Pinetown father, professional bodyguard, injured during attempted hijacking); BackaBuddy (platform hosting the fundraising campaign); Highway Mail (outlet that interviewed Hill)
- What
- A BackaBuddy fundraising campaign for Pinetown father Sydney Hill, who was injured defending his children in an attempted hijacking on October 9, 2026, has raised more than R380,000 toward a R500,000 goal. The funds are meant for legal fees and mental health support for the children.
- When
- 9 October 2026
- Where
- Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal
- Status
- Reported