Guardian Angel Security (GAS) owner Steve Dwarika is home recuperating after he was shot on May 2 in Turffontein.
Dwarika said he was in pain and he would never wish even his worst enemy to have this kind of pain; however, he is looking forward to heal from the gun wounds in his arm, stomach and thigh.
He said on the day of the shooting, a license plate recognition (LPR) camera was triggered because of the silver Corolla in Turffontein at about 2.40 pm.
“When we receive the notification, we normally call JMPD and SAPS because the car would be wanted for various crimes. The team went to look for the car and we couldn’t find it. I must say there’s a 50 percent chance of finding the vehicle once LPR camera is triggered,” explained Dwarika.
After the search of the Corolla, Dwarika was travelling down Main Street when he received messages on his phone.
He then parked his car on the side of the road to check the messages.
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“While I was checking the messages, I saw people running out of a pharmacy and there were four guys with them, one with a cash register. “Not far from that scene there was an old white Toyota HiAce with registration starting with CM 85. I couldn’t register the last two letters, either they were deliberately blocked off or they were fading.
“I gave chase and I lost them on corner De Villiers and Van Hulsteyn streets. I called on the radio and abandoned the search,” he said.
While he was travelling on Donnelly Street between Moffat and Bishop streets in the westerly direction, he saw a man walking on the pavement. The man looked familiar as though he saw him earlier.
“Without any warning, the guy pulled a gun, fired towards me and ran away. I drove for few meters and stopped and called for help.
“From an eyewitness’ account, apparently the guy emptied his magazines and tried to load a new one but failed. I can’t say for a fact that he was involved in the earlier robbery at the pharmacy. “I remember the guy was walking next to the lady with a child. Maybe I can say I was at a wrong place at a wrong time,” explained Dwarika.
Dwarika as a community man
Besides being in the security business, Dwarika is a community man through and through. He is involved in many projects in the South, helping the less fortunate.
Apart from keeping the South safe, he is a member of Southern Business Community Forum (SBCF). They help a lot of people in the south, providing sandwiches to learners. He has been described by Southerners as the man that will help in anyway, be it a resident who is struggling with water or electricity, or somebody in need of a tyre change.
He said his company, GAS, is based on family values.
“Even if you are not my client, I will always help. I built personal relationships with everyone whom I encounter.
“I’m passionate about my community. Also, my previous experience in security and CPF helped me a lot in associating myself with the community of the South.
“We are the first company to install LPR cameras and that is an added service to our people. “And I’m glad to say since December last year, we have recovered 33 vehicles and arrested 47 suspects,” he said.
Family man
He is blessed with his wife, three children and a grandchild. “My family is always supporting me and I’m so grateful. Also, my community is amazing. Their support is appreciated.
“They have been supporting me for the past three years since I started GAS and also through the recent unfortunate shooting incident. “On May 16, my wife and I celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary. I am glad I’m with my family,” he said.
On Covid-19
Dwarika said people are not disciplined. “I remember we would drive around with my team, asking people to obey the rules and we could see that they are not disciplined.
“If we obey the rules, there are greater chances that we can move back to our normal lives,” he noted.
His message to the people of the South is to be vigilant of your surroundings and report something suspicious.
Companion
Meyer Benjamin, from Suzuki South @iPop, who worked closely with Dwarika reiterated that Dwarika was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
“Steve is a good man; he is always helping the less fortunate. He gives 1 000 sandwiches to the less fortunate every week, always willing to help. The shooting incident was unfortunate and thank God he is alive,” he said.
ALSO READ: Security guard shot chasing down alleged looters in Turffontein
