The 23-year-old added the laser-run world title to the triathle crown he earned in Viveiro last month as he crossed the line in 13min 03sec at the Cape Town Stadium.

Oosthuizen was pushed all the way at the event, which combines laser shooting with running, by Switzerland's Alexandre Dallenbach, who came through to take silver in 13:05.00.

The bronze medal went the way of Khuanchai Khosinklang of Thailand, a minute adrift of the victorious South African in third place.

"I went into the race hoping to get another medal having started my Laser-Run career at the first World Championships in France, and it paid off today," said Oosthuizen. 

"The conditions were a little bit tough and the wind made shooting difficult.

"It’s a very nice feeling, almost a feeling I can’t describe because all my friends and family are here and this is not only my home country but my home town."

Finnish athlete Eevi Bengs, who also competes in modern pentathlon, produced an even more dominant performance to win the women's race as she comfortably secured gold by clocking 15:07.00.

Bengs' display proved far too strong for the rest of the field, with silver medallist Suzie Cave of Britain taking the silver medal in 17:02.00.

Menard Charlotte of France held off the challenge of South Africa's Tina-Mari Mayer, forced to settle for the bronze medal having completed the course in 17:41.00.

The event in the South African city is due to conclude tomorrow with the rest of the individual races, as well as the open division race where participants of different ages have the opportunity to compete together.