A swarm of killer bees saved an overturned lorry carrying beer from looters in South Africa.

Footage shows the police, thieves, and onlookers dispersing as the bees sting them in Darnall, on the KwaZulu-Natal north coast, on Saturday, January 4.

The video, filmed from a car, shows motorists laughing as everyone at the scene runs for cover.

It remains unclear what caused the lorry transporting the booze to overturn, but KwaDukuza municipality spokesman Sifiso Zulu confirmed to local media that the bees had targeted everyone who approached the scene.

After the lorry overturned, police responded, and looters were seen removing crates of beer from the road until the swarm appeared.

As the winged insects attacked, looters, officers, and bystanders fled the scene. The video shows people swatting at the bees as they try to protect themselves.

It is unclear whether anyone was seriously injured in the incident.

The venom of these insects contains enzymes that destroy red blood cells and skin mast cells. It also contains histamines, which increase blood flow and cause swelling and redness. Bee stings usually heal on their own without complications.