A hero dad, who fought off an armed robber who stabbed him in his sleep, has not let the attack deter him from continuing his good work
Despite having several stab wounds, Gerald Nomlala of Khayelisha decided to bless 13 children with school shoes, toiletries and sanitary towels.
Gerald, 48, who is the founder of the Kasi Angels Foundation, made headlines last month after he fought off a knife-wielding robber in his home, in front of his 36-year-old girlfriend and two sons, aged six and 11.
The suspect is currently still recovering in hospital under police guard.
The attacker’s accomplice, who was armed with a gun, managed to flee the scene with two laptops, two hard drives and 40 pairs of school shoes.
Gerald works hand in hand with Bata SA and donated hundreds of school shoes to children last year.
After Christmas, Gerald kept his promise to the families of the 13 children and handed out the shoes to three boys and 10 girls, aged between six and 15 years old.
“One of the grandmothers looking after the children is a pensioner and I promised them a Christmas gift as they survive only on her pension,” he says.
“She didn’t know what the gift would be, but I decided this would be suitable because of the new school year starting. Yes, I am still in bandages, but it will not stop me from doing the work, placing school shoes on the feet of children.
COMMIT: Gerald at work helping others
“I also gave the 10 girls sanitary towels and toiletries.”
Gerald says the families asked not to be identified, but that they are grateful for the shoes.
He says the second suspect is yet to be apprehended and he is counselling his two sons who witnessed the stabbing.
“It’s like we relive that night again,” he says. “It comes back to us. Now it’s about restarting. I have begun counselling sessions with my children at home, but they will be attending sessions with a counsellor soon.
“The second suspect is still at large and the other is still recovering in hospital and is unable to speak or pee on his own. I have a black belt in township karate.”