Zambian Truck Driver Victor Bwalya Fatally Shot in Durban, South Africa

PrimeTime News Desk Published 28 June 2026

3 min read

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Victor Bwalya, a Zambian truck driver, was shot and killed in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, on the morning of June 26, 2026. The incident occurred along South Coast Road near Access World in the Rossburgh area, between approximately 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.

Reports from fellow drivers indicate that Bwalya’s truck, registered in Zambia under the NRL company, was involved in an alleged collision with another vehicle. As Bwalya attempted to leave the scene, the driver of the other vehicle reportedly pursued him on foot and opened fire, resulting in the fatal shooting. Eyewitness accounts from drivers traveling in a nearby convoy described hearing multiple gunshots before learning of the incident upon reaching their destination.

The United Truck Drivers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia confirmed the death. Union President Givers Moonga expressed shock and sadness on behalf of the organization, extending condolences to Bwalya’s family, friends, colleagues, and the broader transport community. Moonga described the killing as a senseless and barbaric act against a driver who played a vital role in regional trade and economic activities between Zambia and South Africa.

Moonga noted that the motive for the shooting remains unclear at this stage. He urged South African law enforcement authorities to carry out a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice. The union has highlighted ongoing security challenges faced by truck drivers on regional cross-border routes and called for enhanced protection measures.

The union has appealed to the governments of Zambia and South Africa, along with relevant transport stakeholders, to strengthen security protocols for drivers operating across borders. This includes addressing vulnerabilities in areas known for criminal activity, such as parts of Durban’s South Coast Road.

The incident underscores the risks associated with long-haul trucking in parts of Southern Africa, where drivers frequently navigate routes linking landlocked countries like Zambia to major ports and economic hubs in South Africa. Truck drivers contribute significantly to the movement of goods, supporting trade in commodities, fuel, and other essentials across the region. However, they often face threats from crime, including hijackings, robberies, and opportunistic violence along major transport corridors.

As of June 28, 2026, no arrests or further details on the suspect have been publicly reported by South African authorities. The case is under active investigation. Bwalya’s death has prompted renewed discussions within Zambia’s trucking community about convoy travel, safety protocols, and bilateral cooperation on road security.

Fellow Zambian drivers have shared accounts emphasizing the need for caution in high-risk areas. One driver who was part of a convoy near the scene described the event as a painful reminder of the dangers faced on foreign roads and called on colleagues to remain vigilant.

This tragedy adds to a pattern of security concerns for cross-border truckers in the region. Zambian authorities and unions have previously engaged with neighboring countries on similar issues, advocating for joint initiatives to improve safety for transport workers who sustain vital economic links.