Potch community bands together after homeless man’s bicycle is stolen

Brian Beech, 59, was devastated after his bicycle was stolen on Saturday, leaving him without transport, which meant he could no longer earn a living, he told Potchefstroom Herald.

Beech was born in East London, and moved to Potchefstroom shortly after he was born, with his father. His mother died during childbirth, he said.

At six years old, Beech was meant to go to an orphanage. “There wasn’t space form me in the orphanage, so I went to Witrand instead,” he explained.

ALSO READ: Community watch Whatsapp group helps cops snag cash-in-transit suspects

He worked in a Tlokwe factory after graduating from ES le Grange high school. Restructuring saw Beech laid off in the late 1990s, however, and since then he has struggled to find steady employment. He has been on the streets for about a month.

Beech collects cans and glass bottles to be recycled. He rides his bike with a small trailer attached to it into town to collect money for his recycled goods. He usually earns about R100, which he uses to buy food.

Beech smiles after receiving his new bicycle. Image: Dustin Wetdewich

On Saturday evening, however, his bike was stolen when he went to buy himself food. His deep wrinkles become defined as he winces while thinking back to that fateful night.

“It was very sad. But I had to find courage,” he said.

Beech still did his recycling rounds on Sunday morning, but this time without his bicycle, instead using his own strength.

Police officer Chris Stemmet, who spoke to Beech the night before, saw him walk past the police station.

“I asked him where his bicycle was. After he told me, I had to try and help him. He doesn’t beg, he’s trying to make a living,” Stemmet said. He posted Beech’s story on Facebook, after which a former North West University student, Werner Roodt, volunteered to buy Beech a new bicycle.

Beech stands next to his new bike, bought by Werner Roodt. Image: Dustin Wetdewich

Roodt, who lives in Pretoria, explained: “It’s all too easy for most people to stand and beg. This man looks like he works for his money. And in the process, he keeps the town clean, and his bike makes this much easier. I just wanted to help him and do something good, so that he doesn’t give up and begin begging.

“The Holy Father will bless these people. I have a great appreciation for what these people have done for me,” said a teary-eyed Beech.

Beech still lives on the street.

If anyone is interested in helping him, they can contact Chris Stemmet on 063 609 3957.

This article was translated from Afrikaans by Nica Schreuder.

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.