Reservists

EMERGENCY HERO OF THE YEAR AWARD 2005 - FINALISTS PROFILES

Reserve police officials, No 2013675-7 Reservist Sgt Jaco Viljoen and No 2041512-5 Reservist Const Wikus Maartens of Dundee, in Northern KZN, successfully and selflessly saved the lives of two car accupants from drowning. The two had no prior training on these types of rescue work.

Two people, on their way to Dundee attempted to drive over the flooded low river bridge. However the current was too strong and their vehicle was swept away. In the process, the car hit a tree and they were trapped inside, with the water in the car steadily rising - further endangering the lives of the occupants.

Passers-by called the police and two reservists responded. With only a rope and life jackets, Jaco and Wikus jumped into the flooded water to save the occupants of the vehicle. In the process, one of the occupants managed to free himself. Jaco made his way to the car and handed his life jacket to the man still trapped in the car. With one victim, he tried to make his way back to the riverbank. Unfortunately, his pants were caught on a floating branch, pulling him under the water. By then Wikus had reached them and managed to pull them to safety. He successfully came back again to rescue the other occupant. Except the few scrapes, no one was hurt. The rescue was calculated without endangering the victim’s of their own lives.

Had is not been for Jaco and Wikus, two lives would have been lost.

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