Brave truck driver hailed a local hero
A Newcastle truck driver is being hailed a hero after his brave, skilful actions saved the lives of around 70 bus passengers.
Mishack Nhlapo, who works for local company Blocon, was travelling on the N11 near Newcastle when a bus carrying women and children suffered brake failure causing it to crash into two other vehicles.
Nhalpo, a father of three, said he could feel that the bus had hit into the back of his truck. At that point, he saw one of the vehicles that had been hit by the bus careening off the road,
“I immediately knew that the bus at the rear of my truck did not have brakes.”
Nhalpo had to use all his 24 years of trucking experience to save not only himself but also those on board the hapless bus.
Despite the risk of his truck jack-knifing, he calmly applied precise braking techniques, slowing both the bus and truck with his vehicle.
He kept braking slowly for almost two kilometres until his truck and the bus came to a standstill.
His skilful manoeuvring kept the bus under control and eventually brought both vehicles to a safe stop.
Witnesses said the consequences would have been tragic had Nhlapo not acted with such precision.
The relieved bus passengers were quick to thank him for saving their lives, acknowledging how his clear thinking prevented a disaster.
If the bus had lost control and gone off the road, it would have hit a ridge and most likely rolled. Henri Mostert, Blocon’s financial adviser, commended Nhlapo for his brave actions.
In response, Nhlapo humbly stated: “It was not me but God who took control of the truck and bus.”
“His modesty in the face of such heroism only deepened the community’s respect for him, ” Mostert commented.
As part of the Newcastle community’s recognition of his bravery, local Miss Teen Universe Finalist, Chrizmie Mostert, presented Nhlapo with a special gift as a token of gratitude.
“So many children’s lives would have been changed forever if it weren’t for you,” said Chrizmie in recognising the magnitude of his actions.
Blocon’s management has expressed immense pride in Nhlapo’s actions.
“His courage, humility, and remarkable skill saved lives, and the Newcastle community celebrates his bravery.”
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