Johannesburg security guard gifted BMW after viral humiliation A Johannesburg-area security guard who was publicly mocked by customers and told he would never own a BMW has been gifted one of his own, in a striking turnaround that has captured national attention. Teboho Kabayi, 27, works at the BMW dealership in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. In […]

Johannesburg security guard gifted BMW after viral humiliation

A Johannesburg-area security guard who was publicly mocked by customers and told he would never own a BMW has been gifted one of his own, in a striking turnaround that has captured national attention.

Teboho Kabayi, 27, works at the BMW dealership in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni. In mid-July 2026, a video circulated widely showing him being verbally abused by two men in a BMW while he carried out routine access-control duties. After asking which department they were visiting and requesting to scan a driver’s licence, one of the men repeatedly called himself a millionaire, labelled Kabayi “cheap,” and declared that the guard would never own or drive a BMW no matter how hard he worked.

Kabayi remained calm and professional throughout the confrontation. The clip sparked widespread outrage online. Motorists from the Glen On Cars group visited the dealership soon afterwards and handed him roughly R31,900 in donations. Kabayi, who has said he wants to open a bakery, indicated he planned to put the money towards that dream and also donate some to charity. He publicly forgave the men involved.

On 29–30 July, cybersecurity and integrated security firm ScaryByte surprised Kabayi with a BMW 1 Series and a further R30,000 cheque (intended partly for the car’s upkeep and his bakery plans). The company shared handover photos on social media with the caption: “Someone said he won’t be able to afford a BMW! He totally owns one!”

Kabayi described himself as overwhelmed. “I am cruising nicely,” he said after receiving the car. “I am so happy. God works in mysterious ways. I wish you could feel how comfortable this car is inside.”

ScaryByte said it was moved by the disrespect shown to a security officer simply doing his job and wanted to affirm that dignity is not determined by wealth or the car someone drives. The gesture has drawn fresh praise across social media as a powerful response to the original insults.