CEO blows hijackers away
“It was like a movie ... we are not safe”
The CEO of a funeral company put the fear of death into would-be hijackers who he sent fleeing for their lives as they pounced in his driveway.
The incident‚ captured on CCTV cameras and widely circulated on social media‚ showed Humbulani Aubrey Bvumbi arriving home in Bryanston, Johannesburg, on Tuesday afternoon in his Range Rover.
A dark Alfa Romeo followed him in‚ disgorging armed attackers who approached the driver’s and passenger doors. But, before they could act‚ Bvumbi drew a firearm‚ blasting through the passenger door and sending them headlong back to their getaway car.
As they reversed‚ he unleashed a volley of bullets through the gate.
Bvumbi‚ the CEO of Thabelo Funerals and Tombstones‚ told Sowetan’s sister publication TimesLIVE yesterday that he felt the need to fight back as his life was in danger.
“I was getting in my house as usual and I was surprised when the gate was taking forever to open. I noticed something was wrong‚” he said.
“When checked‚ I saw a strange car coming in and men coming out with guns. I knew my life was in danger.
“Luckily, I managed to take out my gun and acted. I immediately shot at the one who tried to open the door. They realised that it’s going to be dangerous for them and ran. I was furious‚” said Bvumbi.
“They wanted to kill me. I told myself that I have to kill them before they kill me. I’m a man and I had to fight. It was [like] a movie‚ I couldn’t believe it.”
He attributed his bravery to God. “I thank God for the strength he gave me. I don’t know how I did it‚ honestly. I was brave‚ I’m telling you.”
His family was proud that he managed to turn the tables on the criminals.
“I told them and they saw the videos. They were relieved I made it and thanked God.
“I cannot be sure that I will be safe, anything can happen at any time‚ you must be aware. This country is not safe. People want to get a benefit without work‚” he said.