Mackay suffered a broken neck, a broken leg and multiple facial fractures when he was hit by a car in Durban on Sunday.

Mackay, 26, was in a critical but stable condition in St Augustine's Hospital after four hours of surgery. He sustained a cervical spinal fracture and dislocation and compound fractures to his left tibia and fibula.

It will not be until he is brought out of the coma that doctors will be able to determine what level of feeling and mobility he has.

Mackay's parents and his partner Trish are scheduled to arrive in South Africa tonight to be by his bedside.

The Toyota Avante a small sedan that hit Mackay was an armed security response vehicle.

The vehicle, similar to a security car in Australia, was believed to be patrolling its designated area when the accident happened.

The driver did not initially remain at the scene, but returned 10 minutes later.

Durban police spokeswoman Phindile Radebe told The Canberra Times the matter was being investigated and a case of reckless and negligent driving had been opened.

In what is believed to be an unrelated incident, several of the Brumbies players' rooms at the team hotel were robbed on the same night.

Laptops and mobile phones were stolen.

It is understood Mackay was crossing the road to get in a van with some of his teammates to return to the team hotel. The incident occurred at 4.15am Durban time.

For more, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times