The car was driven by Zuma’s bodyguard, who had gone into the outlet on Helen Joseph Road to buy food when he was held up by two gunmen, reported the Daily News.

The Aurora mine boss Zuma was not in the car – a BMW 740i – at the time, but at his Durban North home.

A source said: “They pointed the gun at the bodyguard’s head and demanded he show them how to drive the car. It seemed like the technology of the BMW 740i was a bit confusing for them.”

According to the source, the bodyguard then tried to show them how to start the car but the men panicked when they heard who the car belonged to.

“The suspects panicked when they heard the Zuma name and wanted to shoot the bodyguard… They were scared he would be able to identify them. They also wanted his wallet and cellphone,” the source said.

They stole the contents of the bodyguard’s wallet and drove off in the car, which was later found undamaged in Inanda by a patrolling security company.

Police spokesman, Captain Thulani Zwane, confirmed to IOL that a case of hijacking had been opened.

He said no arrests had been made and investigations were continuing.

Khulubuse Zuma could not be reached for comment.