There are many of us who would have second thoughts about buying the home where Reeva Steenkamp’s shooting occurred, but not Louwtjie Louwrens. In fact, he bought the house because of the very low crime rate in the area, but it wasn’t entirely smooth sailing.

Louwtjie’s excitement at sealing the deal for almost R2 million less than what the house was previously on the market for, as well as the safety of the area made the purchase a hugely positive experience overall. The small snag of finding quite substantial water damage upon viewing the property (only after the deal had gone through) was initially a bit of a set back, but Louwtjie has bounced back and is excited about retiring in the house – even if his wife is slightly less enthusiastic about the whole thing.

It emerged during [Oscar’s] trial that most incidents in the estate weren’t even serious enough to involve the police.

“I live in Boksburg, and the crime situation in Silver Lakes is much better. Safety for me and my family is the most important thing. I did it for my family,” Louwrens told City Press’ sister paper, Rapport, this week. […]

Louwrens says his purchase wasn’t just a dispassionate business transaction. If he’s honest, he said, there was a sentimental aspect to his decision to put in a bid. His children have always been inspired by the Olympic hero.

“He’s a celeb. And I have tremendous sympathy for him,” said Louwrens.

“I actually wanted to surprise my family. When they found out about the bid, they thought it wouldn’t go through. Now it has.”

The history of the house doesn’t bother him. “I’m not superstitious,” he said. In fact, the first time he visited the house, the shooting was the last thing on his mind.

It will remain to be seen how much selling his house will relieve Oscar’s financial trouble.

More info on Oscar’s financials as well as the sale of his very safe house at News 24