Croc man to brave randy beasts
2003-09-22 08:33
Sibonelo Msomi
Pietermaritzburg - A St Lucia man, whose three-year-old son died of cancer in 2000, will spend a month living with nine dangerous crocodiles to fulfil a promise he made to his son.
During his stay, one male croc will be mating with eight females. This will make the situation even more volatile and dangerous during his stay.
Evin Landmann, 32, promised his son, Christian, to look after his friends - children with cancer - shortly before the little boy died.
Landmann intends honouring the pledge. He will spend the whole of October in an enclosure with deadly reptiles in an effort to raise R1m.
He will leave the cage only for about 30 minutes each day when he takes a bath.
Half of the money will be donated to Choc House in Durban at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital, which cares for children with cancer. The remainder will go to the St Lucia Crocodile Centre.
On Sunday, Landmann was accompanied by SuperSport rugby commentator John Allen to Choc House where they gave crocodile toys to children with cancer.
"When my son was about to die, I promised him to look after his friends. Christian was diagnosed with Boascome cancer - cancer of the neck," said Landmann.
He works for the Crocodile Centre, will lock himself in the enclosure where he will work and sleep with nine 6m crocodiles.
Landmann said he had worked with the animals for 15 years and wanted to share his experience of his work with the world.
To donate, the bank account details are: Integritia Auditors, Nedbank trust account, account no 149 701 8080, branch 149 745 or contact Evin Landmann on 082 481 8127 or Sonja at the Crocodile Centre on (035) 590 1386.
- The Witness