Barberton Heroes Risk Their Lives to Save Teacher

Two brave heroes saved the life of Barberton school teacher Kobus Genis last night, as his home was ravaged by fire. His grateful daughter says she will never be able to thank them enough.

Barberton Bliss & News reported that Genis had been overcome by the smoke and unable to walk.

Fortunately for him, a civilian – Frik du Rand – was driving past when he saw the fire.

Sheryn Nader from Barberton Bliss said: “Frik had been driving past and seeing that emergency services had not yet arrived, hurried to see if he could assist in any way.

“He said he heard sounds inside and prayed that God would give him the strength to save people inside.”

In the meantime, Genis’ neighbour had contacted emergency staff, and Hi-Tech Security Barberton & Barberton EMRS responded as soon as they received the message.

Du Rand manage to break the window, with the assistance of Vusi Phiri, the responding officer from Hi-Tech Security, and together they went in and rescued Genis… carrying him to safety.

“What brave and courageous action!” said Nader.

Genis’ daughter Inge said to the heroes on social media: “Julle is te dank vir my pa se lewe, ek sal nooit genoeg dankie kan sê nie.” (You are to thank for my father’s life, I will never be able to thank you enough.)

After ensuring Genis was safe, the men broke two more windows in case anyone else was trapped inside. Fortunately there was nobody else. Genis was taken to hospital for assessment.

Today Barberton Bliss & News said: “We salute Barberton’s heroes Vrik du Rand and Vusi Phiri who broke a bedroom window of the burning house of Mr Genis, and carried hm to safety last night.”

They also thanked Barberton EMRS who managed to save three bedrooms in the house.

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