Beagle Watch saves man from burning car

Heroic efforts of a response officer saves one from burning vehicle. Not all heroes wear capes, some wear Beagle Watch response officer uniforms.

On 21 July, a very brave Ishmael Mogorosi risked his life when he was dispatched to a scene of a burning car. Mogorosi knew that he was responding to a life-threating situation but had to ensure the safety of the victim. He explained what happened on the day, “When I first arrived on the scene there were already some bystanders and I realised that I had to react immediately as nobody else had attempted to help.”

On arrival at the stationary vehicle, the occupant of the car seemed unconscious with his foot firmly pressed against the accelerator, causing the engine to rev dangerously high. Mogorosi also noticed smoke coming from inside the car and immediately attempted to open the door. He discovered that the doors were locked and therefore wouldn’t be able to open it.

The officer then decided to break the window of the car to be able to remove the victim from the vehicle. There was also a struggle to unclip the seatbelt which forced Mogorosi to use a broken bottle to cut the occupant free from the seatbelt and move him to safety.

Since then Mogorosi has been viewed as a hero but he has chosen to remain humble. He said, “If confronted with a similar life-threatening situation in future I would certainly do the same. I am just grateful that I could help save somebody else’s life and that the person could escape unhurt.”

Managing director of the security company Danna Strydom expressed that they are extremely proud of Mogorosi and his act of bravery. “Ishmael put his own life at risk without any hesitation and certainly saved another human being from certain death or grave injury.

“We salute Ishmael and are particularly thankful that he didn’t sustain any injuries. The outcome could have been very different, and we will officially recognise Ishmael for his very selfless and brave act.”