What began as a distressing theft for a 13-year-old intellectually challenged boy from Kensington has turned into a story of hope, as one act of generosity helped restore far more than just a missing bicycle.
And thanks to a Good Samaritan resident, the boy not only has his freedom back but also boasts a brand-new bicycle.
The boy’s mother, Carol Rodgers explained that she returned home on Monday 30 March to a distraught son and learned that his beloved bicycle was stolen.
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The mother of three said she has 13-year-old twin boys who are both intellectually challenged.
“When I arrived, I was told that my son has been crying for hours. He and his brother were playing outside, and they left the bike outside in the yard. When we viewed the neighbour’s CCTV footage, we could see how a young boy comes in and then rides off with the bicycle.”
Rodgers explained that although they are teenagers, their developmental level is younger and added that the bicycle brings them joy and freedom.
“My father, who is a pensioner, saved to buy them each a bicycle at a cost of R3 000. And for a pensioner, that is a lot of money, so these bicycles are sentimental.
“One of the bicycles needs to be fixed, so they are just using the one. To them, the bicycle is a form of therapy. It relaxes them and is a tool of comfort.”
The mother said in an act of desperation she reached out to the ward councillor as she cannot afford to buy them another bicycle.
“I reached out to the ward councillor and asked him to reach out to the community and find out if anyone saw anything. I didn’t expect anything to come from it, but he responded and I was so happy.”
Cheslyn Steenberg, Ward 56 councillor, said when the mother reached out to him, he didn’t hesitate to intervene.
“I know the family and I am a father as well. I thought I needed to help them.”
The councillor said he put out an appeal on social media and asked residents to make any financial contributions.
He said within a day a resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, told him that they would replace the bicycle.
Steenberg explained that he handed over the new bicycle to the family on Wednesday 1 April.
“This just showed that the community can rally behind a good cause. Those who were able to make financial contributions raised about R350 which we will use to buy bread and distribute it to residents in need.”
Steenberg explained that the boys were elated with their new bike.
The mother said her hope in humanity has been restored.
“I am grateful and excited. I am not used to people helping me like this. I believe this was a Godly intervention.”
