Woman injured by mortar is on the mend
A 20-year-old Brakpan resident, who was seriously injured after a mortar projectile crashed through the roof of her house and hit her, is on the road to recovery.
Felicia Klopper, who lives along Derby Avenue, sustained a fractured skull and an injury to her shoulder during the incident, which took place on Saturday morning, September 27.
The wound to her head required 16 stitches and she spent several days in the Life Glynnwood Hospital, in Benoni.
Felicia’s mom, Annelie Klopper, told the Herald that while it will take at least six weeks for the skull fracture to heal, Felicia’s doctor is happy with her progress.
The young woman even returned to work last week, and has been assigned light duty.
Felicia is employed at an insurance company in Benoni.
“We were advised by her doctor that she should not drive for at least another two weeks, so her dad (Rudi) is taking her,” said Annelie.
“She still experiences slight headaches and feels nauseous at times, so we’re just taking it easy until she is fully recovered.”
The Herald recently reported how Felicia, Annelie and family friend Michelle Fouché (20) were at home watching movies prior to the horrific incident.
Her father Rudi and younger brother Rudolph (15) were on a fishing trip.
At the time, Annelie told the Herald that Felicia had bathed and was sitting on her bed, about to blow-dry her hair, when the projectile crashed through the ceiling.
The explosive device did not detonate.
“We heard this loud exploding noise and the whole house shook,” said Annelie.
“I ran to Felicia’s bedroom and found her lying on the bed.
“She was in a lot of pain, but I couldn’t see any wounds at that point.
“When we lifted her head off the pillow, there was a lot of blood.
“Felicia was saying: ‘Help, it’s sore, my head is sore.’
“Her whole body was shaking in shock.”
Annelie and Michelle rushed Felicia to the Life Dalview Clinic, where she was assessed before being transferred to the Life Glynnwood Hospital.
It was later confirmed by Brakpan police that the mortar had been “accidentally discharged” when members of the Wits Rifle Regiment, based in Germiston, were packing up following a military exhibition held at the Pannefees festival, in Dalview, that morning.
The South African National Defence Force conducted an internal investigation at the army base and, during an inventory check, it was discovered that a mortar projectile had not been booked back in.
The Klopper family are in the process of seeking legal advice regarding the incident and have requested eyewitnesses or members of the public with information to contact them.
Annelie can be contacted after hours on 073 323 6390.
Read the previous stories here:
Young woman suffers fractured skull when mortar crashes through roof
Update: Police seek witnesses after mortar injures woman
Breaking news: Police confirm mortar was fired by military
