Hero in Buccleuch
BUCCLEUCH – A local resident has rescued two children, a domestic and a dog when the house they were in was flooded.
A local man from Buccleuch came to the rescue of two children, a domestic worker and a dog from a flooded neighbour’s home.
Sandton Chronicle reported on the recent floods and the destruction it caused. The local hero, Zaheer Kotwal, received a phone call from a family member telling him about the house that was flooding and that there were occupants inside.
Kotwal said, “I went to the house to find it flooded and the water was about waist high. The occupants could not escape.”
He added that another man helped him and they were able to safely help the two children, the domestic and the dog and took them to another neighbour’s house. The children are four and seven years old.
The mother of the children, Tania Bowers said she was very thankful to everyone and the response from the community had been amazing. “People are offering assistance where they can with food and also with doing our laundry,” she said.
“The kids are doing okay at the moment. We are currently displaced and live in a B&B. Zaheer and another man, George Matthews, broke through a neighbour’s fence to get to the house and saved the children, our domestic worker and dog.
“We have a lot of damage and security is a big concern due to all the windows and fence that have been broken by the flood water. I would estimate damages around R200 000.”
Bowers said much of their belongings would have to be thrown away.
“Despite the devastating effect of this event, the community spirit and volunteers brought ease and comfort during this time,” concluded Bower.
