Alberton’s 21-year-old saves three people from drowning in floods
After receiving a call from a person saying he was scared for his life due to be stuck in floods, Kenneth Kleinhans helps three lives who were exposed to danger at the Kliprivierspruit due to heavy floods.
Alberton’s 21-year-old Kenneth Kleinhans saved three people from drowning in floods after the heavy rainfalls in the area on December 9.
It was just after 19:00 when Kenneth’s mom, Mandy, received a call for help from one of her customers whose vehicle was stuck in flooding waters with them inside.
According to Kenneth, the three victims were stuck in Kliprivierspruit just between Waterstone College High School and Eye of Africa. Since they knew the customer well, they quickly jumped into two vehicles with the belief and hope to help.
“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and helping people who really need help, these are the exact words that filled my heart and mind when my mom received the call. As much as I wanted to help, I had no proper plan how exactly we were going to do it. all I knew was that we needed to help,” said Kenneth.
When Kenneth and his mom got to the scene, they tried to help using his bakkie to help but the distance to the vehice was too far.
“I had to remain calm and observe the situation because I knew if I panicked lots of things were going to go wrong. We immediately called for help from rescue groups. Someone showed up with an all-terrain truck. I quickly jumped into the water with the tow line to aid the woman and her 15-year-old son inside the Toyota Fortuner.
“I also rushed to help Shaun Currie who was stuck on the roof,” Kenneth explained.
According to the hero, what kept his faith going during this whole ordeal is how united the Alberton community was and how eager each person was to help the victims that were trapped in the water.
Kenneth’s childhood dream
Kenneth, like many children, had a childhood dream of becoming a police officer, a first emergency responder or a fireman. Due to unforeseen circumstances, life turned out differently and led its way.
“I knew very well that school it is not for me, so I had to quit and try something new so as to become a specific meaningful individual in life. Fortunately, I was hired at Advanced Fire Suppression Technologies,” said the local hero.
Kenneth’s moment when rescuing the victims
As Kenneth wanted to become a firearm/first emergency responder, the rescue mission fulfilled his childhood dream of helping people who are in dire need.
“I did not have enough knowledge of how to rescue people inside a pool of water, but I had a general knowledge of how to do it as I had an interest in pursuing this career. I, therefore, had done the research,” said Kenneth.
Mother’s concern
Mandy told the Alberton Record that when she received the call from Shaun (her customer/victim), she heard how panicked he was and that he truly needed help.
“On our way to the scene I called one of the emergency personnel I knew personally, and he linked us to another search and rescue team. Although it was risky and dark, I knew we had to do something even before the emergency teams arrived. As my son jumped into that water, I just prayed for his safety,” said Mandy.
Shaun’s appreciation of Kenneth
After everyone was saved and had time to rest in their homes after the incident, Shaun and Kenneth met. Shaun gave Kenneth a gift voucher to thank him for what he had done, the message in the letter reads as follows: “Thank you for your braveness. My family and I are really grateful. You are a hero.”
Kenneth 2023 plans
Kenneth has started a business, Wonder Bunny Construction Solutions. He has a dream of turning his construction into the talk of the town so as to build strong and resilient infrastructures that can minimise the loss of lives.
According to Raceview’s hero, he would gladly like some advice from experts and those who can assist can call him on 073 014 5316.
