HOPE AFTER THE BITE Community Rallies for Brave Johandré

What started as an ordinary fishing trip turned into a life-altering tragedy for seven-year-old Johandré Blom. Yet from the jaws of terror emerged a story of extraordinary courage, family love, and a community determined to help him heal.

On Human Rights Day, 21 March 2025, Johandré was enjoying a fishing outing near Brits with his parents, Corné and Amanda, and their friends. While playing in the shallow water alongside his friend Dylan, a crocodile attacked, dragging Johandré under in an instant. Dylan’s screams alerted the adults. In a desperate act of bravery, Corné rushed into the water, grabbed hold of his son, and wrestled with the crocodile.

The animal began a death roll, but Corné fought with everything he had. He succeeded in freeing Johandré — but not before the crocodile tore off his son’s left arm.

Emergency services met them en route to the hospital, where Johandré was stabilised and airlifted to a hospital in Alberton. He was placed in a medically induced coma and remained in critical care. Miraculously, Johandré pulled through and is now back home in Hartbeespoort with his family — his parents, and two older sisters Cuné (22) and Amoré (17).

Johandré, a learner at Laerskool Broederstroom and a passionate rugby player, now faces a long road to physical and emotional recovery. The family does not have medical aid, and his father has already sold what he could to cover hospital bills. Support from friends, schoolmates, and the broader Hartbeespoort and fishing communities has been heartwarming — but much more help is needed.

To assist, Thaba Fire & Rescue is dedicating part of the entrance proceeds from their annual Thabazimbi Vuurfees to Johandré’s recovery. This community fundraiser will take place on Friday, 30 May and Saturday, 31 May 2025 in Thabazimbi.

Although the trauma has been immense, Johandré is doing much better. “He’s so happy to be home. He plays PlayStation with my son using his one arm,” adds Juan van der Merwe, a family friend. “He’s a real little warrior. He’ll start rehab soon — we’re hoping for the best.”

For more information, contact Juan van der Merwe on 083 538 2311.