Colleague of slain security officer still critical in hospital

Friends and family of Dale Collins (39), the other security officer involved in the armed robbery on the R21 just over a week ago, received a glimmer of hope on Monday when the severely injured man opened his eyes for the first time after a five-day medically induced coma.

The Centurion resident and his Pretoria colleague, Francois Swart (22), were en route on the R21 north near Griffiths Road on March 19 to a high-value delivery, when they were attacked by 10 suspects in an attempted armed robbery. Swart died in hospital the next day.

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According to a friend of the family, Collins is in a critical but stable condition in a Johannesburg hospital. The vehicle he was seated in at the time of the attack was left riddled with bullets. However, his injuries seem related to the fact that he and Swart crashed into a bank at the side of the highway while the suspects were chasing them.

“He has a broken pelvis, fractured leg, damaged ankle, a torn bladder and burns on his leg,” the friend told Express. “It’s a difficult situation; those close to him are heartbroken.”

The family described Collins as a gentle person, despite his strong demeanour.

Collins has undergone two surgeries since the incident to treat his injuries and doctors see it as a good sign that he opened his eyes. He remains in and out of consciousness.  Although Collins does not have medical aid, his family received funds to keep him in a private hospital.

“Dale is still vulnerable to infection and requires special care, which is why it is imperative that he remains where he is in order to make a full recovery,” a statement by the family read.

Friends and family are now rallying to raise funds for the cost of Collins’ recovery once he is released from hospital.

Many also plan to run the Toyota Warrior race, an obstacle race at Tierpoort Adventure Farm in Pretoria, on April 6. Collins and Swart planned to run the race together. Readers who would like to donate towards Collins’ recovery can email assist.dale@gmail.com use the following bank details:

Bank: FNB

Account name: V Collins

Account Type: FNB Savings Account

Account number: 62806236221

Branch code: 250655

Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

Reference: Dale