BENNY Booysen (junior), who was shot in a robbery on Rietvlei Zoo Farm on October 2, 2018, is recovering well after the nightmare he went through last year.
Booysen was at home with his son Matthew (14) and Matthew’s friend Keagan (14) when the shooting occurred. His wife, Samantha, and their two other children were in Pretoria at a trampolining competition.
“I remember it like it was yesterday, I don’t think it’ll be something I’ll ever forget,” he said.
“I was in the lounge, my son, Matthew, was watching TV in his bedroom and his friend, who was staying over for the night was with him. Keagan was the first one who saw two men looking through the window and shouted to Matthew that men were in the garden.
“After hearing them, I ran to close the sliding door which was open. When I attempted to close it, one of the four men began shooting at me. I remember shouting at the boys to run and hide.
“It still leaves me cold thinking of it! Matthew was the real hero of the night. After calming the suspects and pointing out where some of our electrical things were, he used a towel to try and stop the bleeding.
“After the suspects left, Matthew managed to carry me to the main gate and he got a driver from the farm, Shadrack Tafeni, to drive me to the Mulbarton hospital.”
Booysen had two bullets in his left side and two in his right. After being transferred to the Netcare Union Hospital, he underwent four operations.
He was in hospital for 10 days before being allowed to return to his home. After a follow-up examination, six weeks later with his neurosurgeon, he still didn’t have great movement in his arms and hands.
A year later
“I’m thankful to be mobile, although the nerves in both hands are still not healed, the left being the worst. The neurosurgeon said it could take up to two years for me to have proper use of it. I’ve learnt to do daily tasks differently, and everything takes a bit longer, but I’ll get there. I call my left hand a trier and not a worker,” Booysen smiled.
“I am remaining positive and have forgiven the men who shot me, but I’m negative against the justice system. Nothing much gets done at all. The suspects get away, quite literally, with murder in some cases and it’s not good enough.”
Booysen added, “I’m very thankful for the support I’ve had from my family and friends, especially my wife. “Without you all, I think I would have been a bitter man, but you have all given me so much love and support as well as hope for the future and I thank you.”
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