Springs Samaritan saves stranded couple

A man who helped a stranded motorist did it because he felt that’s how it is supposed to be.

Leon Swanepoel (27) was surprised to receive help from a total stranger to change a tyre on Wednesday evening.

The stressed-out Strubenvale resident was on his way home on Paul Kruger Highway when he heard a loud bang and his right rear tyre burst.

Also read: Good Samaritan helps hijack victim

It was about 7pm and Swanepoel knew his chances of finding help was slim to none.

“Because my car had no spare wheel I had to call my parents and a friend for help,” he says.

Unfortunately, the spare tyres they brought didn’t fit the vehicle.

He was driving all the way from his work in Isando and had about 10km left to get home.

Swanepoel made his way to the corner of Paul Kruger Highway and Cowles Street to a garage before he pulled over.

That’s when Bernard Boshego stopped in front of his vehicle.

“The man was friendly and helpful, offered his spare wheel and helped me to change the tyre as well,” says Swanepoel.

Also read: Minister urges safety on the roads

At the time of the incident, Swanepoel’s wife Carla was in the car with him.

Swanepoel was surprised when Boshego didn’t ask for his details, but instead gave him his telephone number and home address in Springs Extension.

“He trusted me enough to return his spare tyre to his house the following day, which I did,” he says.

Swanepoel says he didn’t know such good Samaritans still existed.

Boshego says he realised the predicament Swanepoel was in because they are both driving the same vehicles who are not fitted with spare wheels.

“I come from a decent family who was raised to always help someone who struggles,” he says.

Knowing how it feels to be stranded without any help made Boshego stop to help the couple in distress.

His advice to Swanepoel is to always make sure to have a spare wheel handy in case of emergency.