Rietvlei Zoo Farm manager’s son honoured with Netcare 911 certificate of bravery
“He had no idea he was going to receive the Netcare bravery certificate and was so excited about it that he took it to school the next day to show his headmaster.”
MATTHEW Booysen (14), who rushed to the aid of his wounded father despite being threatened by armed home invaders, was recently honoured with a Netcare 911 Certificate of Bravery for his selfless and courageous actions on that traumatic day.
Matthew’s dad, Benny Booysen junior was shot four times in a robbery in his home at Rietvlei Zoo Farm on the evening of October 2. Benny was at home with his son Matthew and Matthew’s friend when the shooting occurred.
After being shot Benny shouted to his son and his friend to run and hide, and the suspects fired a shot in Matthew’s direction, narrowly missing him.
ALSO READ: Rietvlei Zoo Farm manager shot four times by robbers
After having a gun held to his head Matthew said he’d show the robbers where some stuff was but told them they don’t have anything of real value in the house.
“I begged them to let me help my dad and while they were packing up electrical appliances, I was trying to find bandages to stop my dad from bleeding. I couldn’t find any so used a towel,” he said.
While the suspects were making their getaway, Matthew managed to carry his dad to the car and tried to drive. He was in such a state he crashed the car into the garage. Benny was saying to him he just wanted to close his eyes and go to sleep but Matthew said he couldn’t. He managed to drag Benny to the gate and then a farm manager heard the commotion, coming to help and he drove them to Mulbarton Hospital.
Netcare 911 paramedics Nielen van der Merwe and Dayne Olsen recently presented Matthew with the award at his home. According to the two paramedics, “Netcare 911 wanted to honour a young man who showed incredible courage and presence of mind during an exceptionally traumatic ordeal for him and his family.”
“Matthew’s bravery and calmness at the time were incredible and my husband and I are immensely proud of him. He had no idea he was going to receive the Netcare bravery certificate and was so excited about it that he took it to school the next day to show his headmaster,” said Matthew’s mom, Samantha. She went on to say, “The Netcare 911 paramedics and Netcare doctors and staff were highly professional and supportive throughout our family’s ordeal.”
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UPDATE: Rietvlei Zoo Farm manager shot four times by robbers
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