ICYMI | Robert Wolk murder: Court hears alleged plot to kill four people - IOL

Robert Wolk behind the wheel of his Gould GR55 on the way to his second King of the Hill title at the Simola Hillclimb. Wolk was killed in an apparent road-rage incident this week.

A court has heard that motor-racing driver Robert Wolk was allegedly killed after three men went to a company intending to assassinate four employees, only to find that Wolk was the only intended target there.

Wolk was shot dead in Esther Park on September 16 after his vehicle was allegedly struck by a blue Volkswagen Jetta.

He stopped after the collision, according to the state, and was then shot by occupants of the vehicle, who allegedly took his cellphone. He was declared dead at the scene.

Three men, Khotso Richard Mashao, Hlangananani Shezi and Muziwethu Mthethwa, appeared in the Kempton Park magistrate’s court on Monday.

They face charges including murder, conspiracy to commit murder, attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, and unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.

The state alleged that Mashao was hired to kill four people working at an unspecified company.

Prosecutors told the court that he subsequently recruited Shezi and Mthethwa to assist with the planned killings.

But when the trio allegedly arrived at the company last Wednesday, only Wolk was present. The other three people they were allegedly seeking were absent from work.

According to the state, the accused then followed Wolk after he left the premises. The pursuit allegedly ended when their vehicle collided with his in Esther Park.

The investigation later focused on the Jetta. According to the state, information supplied by an informer helped an Ekurhuleni metro police task team identify Mashao, leading to his arrest.

Mthethwa was subsequently arrested while allegedly in possession of the blue vehicle.

The court heard that the Jetta had allegedly been hijacked weeks earlier, on August 15. Its original owner was reportedly shot seven times in the stomach during that attack.

Police have previously said the vehicle recovered in connection with Wolk’s murder was linked to other serious crimes. A firearm and ammunition were also recovered during the investigation.

The three accused remain in custody.

“Robert’s passion for racing remained clear right to the end. He was still competing at the national level and was due to race at Killarney this weekend.

“His passing leaves a profound void in South African motorsport,” the Motorsport South Africa said.

The case was adjourned to Tuesday after Shezi and Mthethwa indicated they needed time to secure and consult legal representatives.

Mashao told the court he wanted his bail application postponed to October 2.

The proceedings continue as the state builds its case around the alleged plot, the stolen Jetta and the events that ended with Wolk’s death.