Klerksdorp Rekord, Klerksdorp - One of the victims in the shootout during an armed robbery at a housing complex in Doringkruin this past weekend did not even realise he was wounded in the leg.
Only when paramedics arrived and someone noticed blood dripping from Luan Lauwrens’ leg did he realise he was injured. The shootout in the early morning hours of Saturday February 24 made waves on social media, especially when CCTV footage of the incident started circulating.
Viewers could clearly see how the three men were sitting in the bar area of the home when two masked men surprised them.
Luan, a local businessman, immediately reached for his firearm that was in a holster on his body and a shootout ensued. One of his friends, Fritz Smit was shot in the face by the attacker.
The other man in whose house they were, ducked for cover behind the bar and escapes miraculously as the video clearly shows footage how one of the robbers opens fire on him before they fled.
As Luan and Fritz disappear from view, the other man is seen running inside the home to check on his family that was sleeping inside.
Still in hospital on Tuesday February 27, Luan told Klerksdorp Record the attack came out of the blue. “It is really not something you expect. I am glad I had my gun with me, I always wear it with me, and I would do everything exactly the same again. It was the right thing to do and I am not sorry that I used my weapon,’’ he said.
Luan was expected to be discharged on Wednesday. He said he was glad to hear that his friend Fritz is recovering well. Fritz (36) was admitted to Tshepong Hospital where he is in ICU. Friends started a crowd funding initiative to help with his medical costs and living expenses as it is expected his recovery will take some time.
On the Back-a-Buddy page, his wife, Angie, describes his injuries saying he will need extensive treatment and surgeries in months to come. She asks for help to ease the burden on the family and focus on her husband’s recovery “allowing him to return to his role as a devoted father and partner’’. Since the incident an amount of R92 000 has been raised.
Luan is just glad they escaped the ordeal with their lives. “The Lord protected us. I am thankful we survived.’’
Lt Col Amanda Funani, police spokesperson, said a case of attempted murder is being investigated. “No arrests and the motive is still unknown.’’
