According to staff at the airport, the alleged 26s gang boss was at the drop and go inside the departures section when men on the outside opened fire through the glass doors and a shootout ensued.
More than 20 shots were fired and four hit him in the upper body.
One person, believed to be his bodyguard, was struck by a stray bullet. People had to lie down flat on the ground as shots were fired back and forth.
This is the third time the suspected Sexy Boys gang boss has been a targeted in a shooting attack in six months.
Photo: Tracey Adams/ANA
He was rushed to hospital by his head guard, always at his side.
SAPS spokesperson Vish Naidoo said: "It was a passenger that was dropped off at the drop and go. He was shot at and was wounded in his upper body.
"Our investigators are at the scene at the moment and the victim's identity cannot be revealed at the moment."
Naidoo said the drop and go facility would be closed.
Acsa said airport operations are not affected, and roads have not been closed.