Melville community donates to crossfire victim
Led by Beagle Watch, the community donated to the family of Mzwandile Shongwe, the innocent victim of a robbery that recently took place at a local pharmacy.
The effortless act of selflessly giving to another, whether it be in one’s time of need or just as an act of goodwill, is a gesture that should be done more regularly in varying communities.
Such an example was shown by the Melville community who answered Beagle Watch’s call to make an empathetic gesture in assisting Mzwandile Shongwe’s family. Shongwe, was, for a while, the nameless and innocent victim of a crossfire that occurred between one of the private security company’s guard and suspects who robbed The Local Choice Pharmacy Mays in early June.
The 42-year-old husband and father works for a logistics company, and on the day of the shooting he was a passenger in one of the company’s trucks. It was while the truck was travelling down Main Road that morning that it was caught in the crossfire that saw him get shot in his right eye, leading to loss of its use.
Speaking to the family, Beagle Watch managing director André Aiton said as a gesture of goodwill and kindness the community collected and donated groceries to the family. “We want to show the family that we do not just close the chapter on something like this, where someone is suffering and has lost their eye.”
He added that community members are still concerned, as they regularly enquire about Mzwandile’s health. He added that he hoped this donation would go a long way in helping the family during this time.
There to accept the donation was his brother, Meshack Shongwe, and Elsie Moloi, Mzwandile’s wife. Meshack shared how they were appreciative of this donation. “In the country we are living in where corruption has been adopted as the culture and people are living for themselves, we are surprised that there are still people and communities like these.
“It is refreshing to see people giving in this way,” adding that the community was not obliged to give them anything.
“[Therefore] as a family, we really are humbled and this will go a long way in assisting his family.”
Meshack shared his brother’s vision is not all that clear right now, however, he is walking and slowly making a good recovery. Elsie was also moved by the big gesture but was still visibly affected by her husband’s harrowing experience.
Mzwandile has been in rehab for some time now and with his gradual recovery will soon be able to leave the care facility.
Adding to the grocery contributions, The Local Choice Pharmacy Mays did a monetary donation to the family.
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