SASOLBURG – In August this year, Dirk Coetsee, the principal of the Hoër Tegniese Skool (HTS) Sasolburg, narrowly escaped tragedy during a terrifying armed robbery in Colchester in the Eastern Cape.

Coetsee, along with 10 other school principals, was attending a conference when the perpetrators targeted their accommodation and robbed them.

The frightening incident occurred in the dead of night when about four armed suspects silently gained access to the guest house where Coetsee and his colleagues were staying.

According to Coetsee, the intruders fired shots randomly inside the house when one principal woke up, noticed the intruders, and screamed for help.

Coetsee was struck by a bullet, awakened by searing pain that left him numb.

Ster South visited the dedicated principal at the school and conducted an in-depth interview about the fateful night. As Coetsee continues on his journey to recovery, he expressed that he’s settling in well.

“Annually, we attend a principals conference and traditionally stay together in one accommodation as Sasolburg principals.

“We arrived in Colchester two days before the conference and settled in peacefully,” he said.

Recounting the events of the incident, Coetsee shared: “Around 3:30 AM, intruders entered our accommodation and robbed us of cellphones, laptops, and wallets.

“They entered all our rooms, except for one bedroom where there was noise.

“When they were about to leave, one of the principals spotted them and shouted for help.

“The intruders fired shots, and that’s when I was hit.”

Coetsee remembers waking up feeling paralyzed after being deep in sleep during the incident.

“I only recall waking up feeling paralyzed because I was in a deep sleep when it happened.

“We used a bedsheet to stop the bleeding and rushed to the nearest hospital,” he explained.

Describing the damage caused by the bullet, the 56-year-old mentioned: “The bullet damaged the lower part of my knee. The doctor explained that operating on it is more complicated than replacing a knee.

“I underwent a successful operation and I’m recovering well, surpassing the expected pace.”

“I’m feeling much better emotionally.

Counselling has helped me cope, and sharing my story not only strengthens me but also encourages those around me, including students,” Coetsee shared optimistically.

Reflecting on his ordeal, Coetsee expressed: “This experience has taught me to cherish life.

“After this incident, I’ve realised the kindness of people.

“The overwhelming support I received showed me that goodness still exists.

There’s much positivity in the world, and that’s what we should focus on.