Just over R70 000 has been raised through a BackaBuddy campaign started less than 24 hours ago for the Pinetown father seen in a viral video opening fire at suspected hijackers, reports the Highway Mail.

The campaign has set a goal of R500 000 for the father who has been dubbed a hero for his alert reaction when he and his two young children were confronted by armed men on Friday (October 9) in Pinetown.

The online fundraiser is aimed at helping the father and his children ‘rebuild… through an incredibly difficult time’, following the ‘traumatic shooting incident’.

According to information from the campaign, the father ‘is facing unexpected legal expenses, while the children who experienced the incident need ongoing professional trauma counselling to help them process what happened’.

“As a single father, [he] 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.

“Funds raised will help cover the legal costs arising from the incident, provide consistent professional counselling for as long as the children need it, and support their well-being as they work towards recovery.

“At this stage, the full legal costs and the duration of the children’s counselling are not yet known. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, will help ease the financial pressure and ensure these important needs can be addressed,” a statement on the BackaBuddy reads.

Police in KZN confirmed that three cases of attempted murder, attempted carjacking and an inquest were opened at the Pinetown SAPS following the shooting incident.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Paul Magwaza said the father and his two children were driving out of their yard when a white vehicle occupied by unidentified men blocked their vehicle in what was allegedly an attempted hijacking.

“The suspects opened fire, and the victim retaliated, fatally wounding one of the suspects. The remaining suspects fled the scene in their vehicle,” said Magwaza.

Marshall Security praises father’s actions

Marshall Security’s Andreas Mathios said the incident demonstrates how self-defence and a justifiable shooting come together in a South Africa that is riddled with corruption, especially where firearms go missing and how criminals get access to firearms to commit crimes.

“This man is a hero. He firstly and instinctively made sure that his family was safe. He was consistently alert, and even though there was some sort of delay in returning fire when he was fired upon at the right time, he managed to return fire and neutralise the threat.

“So to me, this man is a hero.”

Mathios said the man protected his family and did everything by the book.

“We commend him for his actions, or should I say I commend him for his actions,” said Mathios.

Click here for the BackaBuddy campaign.

Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel.

Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.