Shoot to kill - PE man tells all
We had an opportunity to have an exclusive interview with Craven Coetzee the partner to Driekie Croucamp the PE woman who shot at intruders on Tuesday morning. This is what Craven had to say.
Have you ever been a victim of house break-ins before, and if so where the robbers successful?
Yes, my Internet café robbed. They got away. Many petty theft robberies where the guys stole things from the yard - in previous homes but not this one. This house has been very, very secure. It is situated in a very secure location - someone must have told them of the window vulnerability and TV as it is on the side of the house not visible from the road. Someone they know had told them.
What happened after the camera’s stopped rolling?
We waited for armed response in a safe location. We had rehearsed this scenario when she got her fire-arm to prevent us shooting each other as well as subtle code-words to use if one of us got held captive. We take security very seriously and try to always be prepared. It is unfortunate I didn't put the alarm on due to a faulty sensor - it won't happen again.
Do you have any advice for people who do not have any fire arm on how to protect themselves?
Don't buy a gun to "threaten someone" - if your life is in danger, you must be prepared to use it. Don't go looking for trouble when you have secured your area. Press the panic button and don't ever go looking for criminals. Find a safe spot and wait for police / armed security to arrive. Don't ever be naïve and compromise your safety thinking it is safe to sleep outside on a porch or thinking this can't happen to you. Be observant.
After this incident are you planning on making further security improvements to your home?
Already have ordered improvements and made some already. Beams outside, new alarm system, stronger security bars, more exterior cameras. More lights outside.
Have you and partner attended any self-defence and fire arm courses?
Yes, both of us have. I am extremely accurate with several fire-arms and we regularly did combat shooting / training on a farm in East London. My brother and I grew up as avid shooting enthusiasts and he is currently training a security force. I chose the IT career, however. My girlfriend and I are going shooting this weekend at the range to improve her aim and accuracy under duress.
Had you not had a fire am what do you think would have happened in this situation?
It was obvious. They intended to do us harm, tie us up, rape her, torture or kill us. I also keep an 8 inch combat knife close to me at all times as well as other weapons very carefully hidden in the house. Had I not had access to my gun, I would have charged them with this.
Do you always sleep with a fire arm under your pillow?
Yes - always, and I don't always sleep in the same room - we have five bedrooms. When I expect to work late, I sleep in the room I was in when the shooting happened. We don't sleep together because my customers phone me all times of the morning on some nights - As I run an IT company. Also, another main reason why my partner and I don't sleep in same room is that I am an insomniac and talk in my sleep.
What are your views of the South African fire arm laws? Or do you feel protected under the South African fire arm laws?
I believe that a person relinquishes their rights to life when they enter a home illegally - as in the USA - the "threshold law" I believe it is called in some states. Anyone on my property illegally - especially with a knife in their hand should be considered a threat, hostile and suffer the consequences for their actions - no questions asked - especially at 3am in the morning.