Irish "hardworking everyday hero" in hospital in South Africa after being shot in the head
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Irish "hardworking everyday hero" in hospital in South Africa after being shot in the head

AN Irishman has been shot in the head by intruders at his home in Johannesburg.

Bill Brogan, 66, was leaving his property on his way to work at 6.30am on July 6 when thieves fired at him and stole a number of personal items.

Mr Brogan was discovered by his wife Mary and son Conor over an hour later and managed to regain consciousness at the scene, despite the gunshot shattering through his cheekbone and entering his brain.

He was taken to Johannesburg’s Netcare Union Hospital for treatment, where he remains in Intensive Care and faces multiple brain surgeries.

According to reports, the bullet remains lodged in his brain and doctors are unsure if they will be able to remove it completely.

His family has appealed to the public for help to fund the high cost of  "complex neurosurgery " facing Mr Brogan who doesn’t have medical cover.

Denis Kaye, Mr Brogan's son-in-law who set up a gofundme page to raise money for Mr Brogan's treatment has described his father-in-law as a "hardworking everyday hero" who's only priority in life is his family.

The fund, which has a target of €65,000 has already received over €20,000 from people all over the world in just two weeks.

Mr Brogan was raised in South Africa but met his wife Mary in Ireland.

South Africa’s murder rate has last year jumped 4.6 per cent, with almost 49 people killed every day.