South Africa – Tony De la Rouviere had no idea that an evening of drinks and catching up with old buddies would result in a near death experience in Berea, Kwazulu Natal.
The 55-year-old facilities manager at a well known Musgrave school was beaten unconscious and left for dead in the early hours of last Wednesday morning.
“A few friends of mine got together for some drinks at La Bella. We all left after midnight and I didn’t want to worry my family to fetch me so walked towards Musgrave Centre to get a meter taxi because they usually park there,” explained Tony.
He found it odd that there were no taxis when he walked past the Centre but decided to walk across to the Engen service station on King Dinizulu (Berea) Road where taxis also wait. “I just wanted to get home and it was late so I didn’t want to disturb anyone,” he said regrettably in hindsight.
Tony continued walking on Musgrave Road and was opposite the Musgrave Medical Centre, when he ran into trouble.
“I heard these guys shouting on my left. There were two of them and they rushed at me with a black baton. I grabbed it and fought back.
“I knew I was in trouble because they didn’t ask for my belongings but just tried to hit me so I defended myself. I hoped they would back away and leave me alone, but about four or five more guys came from down Berea Road.
“I was trying to get closer to the intersection at Musgrave Road but just metres before it, I felt like a hammer hit me on my head. They got me to the ground and started kicking and hitting me, I lost consciousness then,” he said, reliving the ordeal.
When Tony finally woke up the culprits were gone.
“I think they were disturbed by a passing car. I eventually got to my feet and walked across the road to the Engen Garage where one of the petrol attendants contacted my wife and an ambulance. It was only then that I realised an hour had passed,” he said.
The men took everything from Tony’s right and left pockets including his dentures, cellphone, work keys, shoes and cash for a painting project he was working on but miraculously did not get his wallet which was in his back pocket.
“My wife arrived and took me straight to St Augustine’s trauma unit. I was there for half the day and treated for a concussion.
“They did X-rays and a CT scan. I had stitches above my cheek, forehead and the back of my head. My nose is fractured and I need to have surgery to have it fixed,” said a still sore Tony.
He believes his sporty nature and fitness possibly saved him from getting killed. “I am a bit angry because this was a senseless attack. I guess I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“I believe they were whoonga guys. I have been robbed before and I’m not stupid, I would have given them the money. I wasn’t trying to be a hero, but they were all together like a mob and seemed drugged.
“They rushed me and were set on beating me up before robbing me. I know this area well and the normal vagrants don’t usually travel together like that, nether do common thieves.”
“What really gets me is that there are many old people living around the Musgrave area and many get mugged and attacked. I wonder how many report it? I believe if something was done about these people and all the whoonga related crimes, I would not have been attacked,” he added.
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