Petrol Attendant Hero, Lawrence, Rewarded After Brave Rescue Goes Viral
As reported by SAPeople a week ago, Lawrence Kananji became South Africa’s number one hero when he bravely rushed to rescue an elderly woman in Cape Town who was being attacked and robbed… without thinking of his own safety. Now, his boss at Engen has acknowledged Lawrence’s heroism and selfless act by taking him out […]
As reported by SAPeople a week ago, Lawrence Kananji became South Africa’s number one hero when he bravely rushed to rescue an elderly woman in Cape Town who was being attacked and robbed… without thinking of his own safety.
Now, his boss at Engen has acknowledged Lawrence’s heroism and selfless act by taking him out for a congratulatory dinner, and rewarding him with a gift card.
Social media celebrated the Table View petrol attendant’s “guts, bravery and decency” after photos were posted by Glenn Bradfield of the lady, and Lawrence.
Lawrence had flagged Glenn’s vehicle down after he saved the woman, and asked Glenn to escort her home.
Today Engen said that their “With us you are Number One” brand promise took on a new meaning when Lawrence rushed to the elderly woman’s defence, saving her from potentially serious harm.
Lawrence, who is originally from Malawi, had been on his way to work at Engen Rietvlei Service Centre when he witnessed the attack of the elderly woman who had been walking home.
“I saw the blue car parked along the road and was walking towards it when I saw a guy jump out and attack the woman. They threw her to the ground and were beating her as they tried to steal things from her,” Kananji says of the incident, which took place in broad daylight on Sunday, August 19.
“I ran towards them and when they saw me they jumped into the car and drove off. They were pointing something at me, but I couldn’t see what it was.”
Glenn’s post turned Lawrence into a household name in Cape Town in Table View and Cape Town. It has now been liked over 17,000 times and shared by over 12,000 people.
There was a flood of positive messages of appreciation – “You are an example to others”, “you restore my faith in humankind” and “what a super hero” were just some of the praise that was showered on Lawrence.
Although Lawrence is very grateful for the response to his act, he says he had no time to be afraid.
“I just wanted to save the woman from them. I never thought about anything else,” he says.
Costa Petsas, owner of the Engen Rietvlei Service Centre and Kananji’s employer of 10 years, says he only learnt about the incident when it was posted on Facebook.
“He just arrived at work and never told a single person what had happened. Now he’s become something of a celebrity, and I’d like him to know how very proud I am,” says Petsas.
Other than being taken out for the celebratory dinner and given a gift card by Petsas, many other good Samaritans have contacted the company with a view to making donations to Lawrence. He has also since been sponsored a bicycle so he no longer has to walk to work!