Jacques Kallis became the fourth leading run-scorer in tests as South Africa reached 213 for four at tea after winning the toss on the first day of the second and final Test against Australia at the Wanderers on Thursday.
Kallis hit 54 in 41 balls and had just reached 12,003 runs on his 147th appearance, overtaking West Indian Brian Lara, when he casually flicked paceman Peter Siddle to mid-wicket and was caught by Usman Khawaja above his head.
Only Indian pair Sachin Tendulkar (15,086) and Rahul Dravid (12,979) and Australia's Ricky Ponting (12,495) have scored more test runs than all-rounder Kallis who has also taken 270 wickets.
The 36-year-old dominated a third-wicket stand of 80 with Hashim Amla.
When Amla (19) edged a drive off debutant Pat Cummins to Ponting at second slip, South Africa had slipped to 129 for four.
AB de Villiers then re-established the home team's control by breezing to 51 not out at tea. Ashwell Prince was also unbeaten on 34.
Kallis was in good form and seemed to have the Australian attack at his mercy, particularly since seamer Shane Watson had gone off with a hamstring strain after bowling 3.5 overs.
South Africa are 1-0 up in the series.