Former security guard left unable to work after shooting
Prinsloo says he has had 16 operations on his arm just to get some feeling back, be able to use his fingers, have some power and be able to grip.
Hardus Prinsloo’s life changed for the worst the day he was caught up in a cash-in-transit heist on his way home in December 2019.
Prinsloo, who was driving his company vehicle, travelled down Springs West Road not knowing there was a heist in progress. He was shot several times.
“I got to the traffic lights and as I turned right, the first shot rang out and the bullet entered my chest. Then the second and third shot went off, which struck me multiple times. I managed to escape through the bakkie window.
“I fell on the ground and I tried to go for my gun but couldn’t because I then realised my right arm was also hurt.
“They just kept shooting, eventually they bombed the van, took the money and left,” said Prinsloo, a former security guard.
The Petersfield resident said he was completely unprepared for what happened to him.
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“It’s different from chasing a suspect, you know what could happen and you prepare your mind. I was just going home, on Friday 13,” he said.
Prinsloo underwent several operations to remove the bullets in him, including one in his foot.
His healing journey is not over and he is seeing a psychiatrist who is treating him for post-traumatic stress disorder, as he is struggling to sleep.
He cannot work as a security guard as his shooting arm was severely damaged.
Prinsloo explained he has had 16 operations on his arm just to get some feeling back and to be able to use his fingers, have some power and be able to grip.
He can longer hold a firearm and sustained major damage to his lungs.
His former employer also retrenched him, blaming Covid-19, and the loss of income has affected his household tremendously
“I had to take my daughter out of school because I can no longer afford her school fees. My medical aid has been cancelled and my car has been repossessed.
“My rent is so far behind, I’m just waiting for them to give me a notice,” said Prinsloo.
Prinsloo is looking for work but hasn’t been successful. He has created a BackaBuddy campaign to help him get back on his feet.
To donate, visit: https://www.backabuddy.co.za/hardus-prinsloo2021
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