There was loud applause as a young man rescued a dog from drowning after it was swept away in a flood-swollen storm water canal in De Mist, Kariega, on Tuesday morning.
Asivelele Gijana, 24, did not hesitate to assist when a community member, who had been watching in stunned disbelief as the water levels rose, started screaming for help after spotting a dog struggling in the water.
Gijana, wearing a raincoat, then started running along the canal.
When he saw it was safe, he leaned forward into the water and pulled out the black Dobermann, who in turn licked his face in gratitude.
The crowd, made up of residents from De Mist and surrounding areas, began cheering, with some even bursting into tears.
Gijana said he was so glad he could save the dog.
“It was slippery and chaotic, but I just had to try,” he said.
“You can't just stand by when someone or something is in trouble.
“It doesn't matter if you're not a hero, you just have to do what you can.
“I’m just glad I was able to help. The dog is safe now, and that’s what really matters,” he said, adding that the water had been ice cold.
HeraldLIVE
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