Khayelitsha Boy Saves Friend from Fire

Local hero Lubalalo Msutwana, from Khayelitsha, was presented with a gift as reward for his bravery while recovering at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital on Wednesday September 30.

The twelve (12) year-old rescued his friend from a house fire when he kicked in the window of the home so that his friend could escape from the blaze. Lubabalo said he and a few friends were playing soccer in Section F, Khayelitsha, on Wednesday September 29 when they saw a large column of spoke billowing from a nearby house.

The boys went to inspect and found several neighbours were helping to salvage household items for the family who had already been evacuated. Lubabalo's fourteen (14) year-old friend went inside to help and was pushing a cupboard out when it jammed in the front door, trapping him inside. "I kicked the window for him to get out. I couldn't stand by and watch my friend die," Lubabalo said.

Lubalalo tore the Achilles tendon in his right leg during the rescue and was treated at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital before being discharged to Maitland Cottage on Friday October 1. His friend managed to escape from the house and sustained no injuries.

During his stay at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital (RCWMCH), the Friends of the Children's Hospital Association gave the little hero a gift pack for his bravery. The gift included a soccer ball, a five hundred (500) piece puzzle and World Cup memorabilia.