Image: Andries Depone and Arrie Meyer, who risked their lives to save their boss, Johan de Bruyn. (Volksblad)
Bloemfontein - Two farmworkers risked their lives to save their employer who was about to be engulfed by flames during a veld fire on his farm Witvlei in the Northern Cape.
Slimly built Arrie Meyer, 30, and Andries Depone, 44, did not hesitate to rush through flames to carry the 200kg Johan de Bruyn, 65, to safety, reported Volksblad.
De Bruyn, a former Springbok prop, was fighting the fire on his farm when his car became stuck and as he got out, he slipped and fell.
Depone said he saw the fire was going to reach De Bruyn and decided to go in to help him. He said he didn’t think twice because De Bruyn was a good man.
“I was a bit scared but I took the chance to save him,” said Depone who along with Meyer, carried the farmer by the arms.
Meyer said there was no one else on the farm and De Bruyn needed help.
“I don’t know where we got the strength. All I could think of was [saving] him from the fire.”
The farmer’s wife, Nettie de Bruyn said she was deeply grateful to the two men.
“We aren’t the farmers and they the workers. We all work together here on Witvlei.”
De Bruyn was admitted to hospital with burn wounds to his legs, arm and hand. He is in a stable condition.
These two workers need to be decorated for bravery but not only that they also need to receive a decent cash incentive. It gives me great pride to read this article. To both Andries and Arrie, you have shown other South Africans how we all need to stand together in this country. I salute both of you and trust that the necessary authorities will ensure that both of you be nominated for a bravery award.
No comments:
Post a Comment