ELSIES HAS A NEW HERO

KEITH from Elsies River had a first day on his first-ever job that he’ll never forget.

The 18-year-old was on his way to work the night shift in his blue overalls when he was robbed of his phone, work boots and socks in 35th Street.

But he would soon get a smile on his dial, as local hero Shawn Flandorp, 40, intervened.

The incident was captured on video and has been making the rounds on social media with mense hailing Flandorp a hero.

In the video, Flandorp - who recorded the incident - told the man who looked like he was skudding Keith: “Naai my broer, julle moet end kry met die, gee daai man se goed terug. Los die, moenie die mense rob nie.”

Flandorp explained that the incident took place at 5.10pm and said he could not ignore what was going on, adding: “I live in a separate entrance and have a toilet in the backyard.

“I was on my way to the toilet when I heard the cars hooting and thought it was normal because the main road is at the back of the yard.

“When I got out of the toilet, I heard a scuffle and stood on the wall to see what was happening and that was when I saw this tsotsi who I know personally trying to rob this guy.

"He already took his cellphone, he was busy taking off his work boots and socks. I was so upset and addressed him.

"He said: ‘Hosh Shawn, dis ek’ as if I should leave him because he is a known tsotsi in our community.

“I already had my phone in hand and told him that I am recording him and that is where he left the guy and gave back his belongings.

“I told that boy to jump over the wall and took him to work with my own car and dropped him off in front of his workplace. I gave him my number and said if he is not feeling okay, he must phone me and I will take him home because I could see he was traumatised.

“This is how it is in our communities and it is getting worse and no one is stepping in.

“We must stand up as a community because we know these guys who kill our children and rob innocent people but we are too scared but I am not scared.

“I don’t want compensation or reward for what I have done, all I want is for the next person to do the same then our communities will come right.”

Keith said he is grateful to Shawn who helped him, explaining: “I am still traumatised by what happened.

“I was on my way to work my first job ever and this guy came from behind with a knife and started robbing me.

“He took my phone, my shoes and wanted my socks as well. I am happy for Shawn that I got my things back.”