Mannum ferry driver wins bravery award for helping with arrest

A Mannum ferry driver’s bravery in helping police catch two car thieves has been recognised with an award.

Faye Horstmann was operating one of the town’s two River Murray ferries on July 29 when she received a phone call from local police, asking her to look out for two grey vehicles: a BMW and a Toyota RAV4.

The Toyota had allegedly been stolen in Mount Gambier, the BMW’s driver had allegedly stolen fuel at Keith, and both were believed to be travelling together.

Only 10 minutes later, the two vehicles showed up and boarded her ferry.

Ms Horstmann phoned police to tip them off.

By the time the ferry reached the other side of the river, officers were waiting to arrest the pair.

“Faye didn’t shy away from taking responsibility when the unusual situation arose,” SA Police said in a statement.

“She continued her outstanding assistance by reassuring the other passengers aboard the ferry whilst police dealt with the arrest, and then promptly returned the ferry to its normal operations with minimum impact on customers.”

In the aftermath of the incident, Senior Sergeant Andrew Hoy nominated Ms Horstmann for a Lions Citizen of the Year award.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens and City of Adelaide Lions Club president Andrew Stacey presented it to her on Thursday, November 20.

Ms Horstmann is the second consecutive winner of the award to come from the Murraylands.

Tailem Bend teenager Sean Williams won last year for saving a woman from a house fire.

Murray Bridge’s Shawn Hicks also won in 2019 for his dedication to preventing domestic violence; while another local, Neighbourhood Watch member Robert Wheare, won in 2005.

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