Brackenfell man marks one year after losing arm, leg in crash
A Brackenfell man is on a mission to solve mobility challenges faced by disabled people.
Willem Lourens, 60, lost his right and left leg in a motorbike crash on the N7 in November last year.
Looking back on the year that has passed since his accident, he said: “If I was going fast, it probably would not have happened. But I was driving like 100km/h or maybe 120km/h, and I was sitting in the right-hand lane, and I saw that the vehicle in front of me was pulling over to the left-hand side to overtake this car. So, I did the same. But when I got next to him, he swiped me. He pushed me into the barrier.
“My arm was ripped off. It was dramatically amputated. It was lying on the side. My leg was lying on that other side, and I was lying there. So, many people say they can't believe that I actually survived."
He said he had been a truck salesman and a tour guide before the incident, but as he was no longer able to work in those fields he had started a business, WJL Mobility, in March last year selling scooters, wheelchairs and stair lifts for the disabled.
“It is still a challenge every day to work, but I just decided I can't let this guy steal my personality and my life. I did my best to carry on,” he said. “For people facing similar challenges, I want to tell them that it is not the end of the world.”
His older sister, Hannelie du Plessis, described him as ”an extraordinary brother” whose perseverance went beyond everyone’s expectations.
Police spokesperson Captain FC van Wyk said a reckless and negligent driving case had been registered at Malmesbury SAPS for investigation but had been withdrawn by the Malmesbury Magistrate’s Court due to lack of evidence. No arrest was made.
“The case docket was finalised and archived. However, as new information arises, the docket will be re-allocated to detectives to pursue new information and to expand investigation,” he said.
Anyone with new information can call Crime Stop at 08600 10111.
