As abled bodied persons, seeing a wheelchair bound person often leaves us in the uncomfortable position of wanting to help while still respecting their independence.

For Benoni Flying Squad (BFS) fleet manager and double amputee, Warrant Officer Mauritz Prinsloo, the solution to maintaining a fully independent life may not come in the shape of cutting edge gadgets, it could be as seemingly simple as having access to adequate breaking systems for his personal vehicle.

Mauritz joined the SAPS in 1994, following in the footsteps of his older brother.

Matriculating from Klerksdorp Technical School, specialising in motor mechanics, the dedicated officer always had an affinity to tinkering under the hood of a vehicle, ensuring that it runs optimally.

This knowledge became his saving grace after sustaining a minor leg injury while in pursuit of a suspect led to his leg being amputated.

“I was diagnosed with peripheral vascular disease. Despite corrective surgeries, by 2014 both my legs were amputated above the knee leaving me wheelchair bound,” he said.

“I feared that my career as a police officer will be coming to an end and that, which I am passionate about will become a mere memory.”

Given his meticulous attention to detail and knowledge about cars, Mauritz took on the role as the unit’s fleet manager, ensuring that the ehicles under the BFS banner keeps rolling.

To further aid him in performing his duties, the SAPS ensured that he has access to a specifically modified, automatic vehicle which further aids him in performing his duties.

“The fitted system is great. A handle attached under the steering wheel offers me full control of the accelerator and brake,” he said, demonstrating its functions.

“Running between the unit’s mechanical workshop in Northmead and zipping out to various dealerships is a breeze.”

According to long-time colleague and friend, BFS spokesperson Warrant Officer Grant Giblin, Mauritz is an unstoppable force, both physically and mentally.

“Nothing gets him down,” he said.

“Despite the trauma of losing both his legs, having to adjust to navigating life in a wheelchair and no longer being an active member of the squad, he took it all in his stride.

“True to his nature, he did not wallow. He adapted and reports for duty with dignity, pride and resilience – Mauritz doesn’t realise how much he inspires others.”

Watching Mauritz transfer from his wheelchair under the bonnets of his fleet, or even witnessing how he wrestles his ‘wheels’ into the back of his vehicle, with seeming ease, colleagues, friends and family have been devising plans to assist him in acquiring a wheelchair lift, to be fitted to his personal vehicle.

Hearing of these plans, Mauritz, who guards his independence like a precious gem and who prides himself as a man who always looks for solutions to address a problem, shakes his head with a smile.

“I understand how they may have come to the conclusion that a wheelchair lift may assist me, and I understand their concern. Sometimes the help that is needed isn’t in the form of gadgets,” he said, rolling his chair forwards and backwards.

“Wheelchair lifts are often brand specific, which means if I were to go that route, I may be bound to a particular brand for the rest of my life. I choose chairs based on what is most comfortable and practical.”

Before admonishing the idea completely of accepting help, which may benefit his life, Mauritz said what would assist him greatly is a more effective control mechanism for his private vehicle.

Again demonstrating the two mechanisms, Mauritz emphasises that the one fitted to his private vehicle is a more economical system.

“It works well and does what it is supposed to, it accelerates and brakes with a push or pull of the handle,” he explains.

“Unfortunately, the braking is less responsive. When I am driving I need to be alert at all times, taking speed into consideration in order to bring the vehicle to a stop in time.

“If I had more time to tinker with the mechanism, I am sure that I could fine-tune it. Unfortunately, time ticks by and I have not gotten around to it.”

With a laugh he continues by saying that a wheelchair lift fitted to his vehicle could ease things.

“A fancy lift would be kind of useless if I am involved in an accident because my car’s braking system didn’t work properly,” he said.

“I understand that people may feel uncomfortable seeing an amputee hoisting a wheelchair in and out of a car, and our innate human response is to think of ways to help.

“However, sometimes the greatest help may be the smallest adjustment, which could improve driver safety.”

Rolling his chair into action again, Mauritz again shakes his head letting out a laugh, saying that he appreciates people’s concern.

“It is only when you are in a wheelchair that you realise what really contributes to your quality of life,” he said.

“Little things often make the biggest difference.”

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