A PASTOR who has been left paralysed from the waist down following an armed robbery incident at a church now needs Good Samaritans to help him with his costly medical bills.

Pastor Robert Shazi was at the pulpit preaching at the Waterloo Christ Ministry Church last December when armed suspects disrupted the prayer meeting.

His wife, Khosi, said one of the suspects seemed as if they had joined the congregation to take part in the proceedings, and was making their way to the pulpit, when halfway down the aisle they drew a firearm and cocked it.

This led to a commotion and eventually a tussle over the gun involving the pastor, his church mate and the armed suspect.

“My husband and the man who had tried to grab the gun from the suspect were both shot twice. It was not a great experience. Our last born child, who is currently doing Grade 12, was there as well and witnessed the whole thing. But we are grateful that my husband is still alive,” said Khosi.

The congregant who had attempted to grab the gun from the suspect, unfortunately, died on the way to hospital on the day of the incident.

Khosi said a third gunshot victim, a church member, has since made a full recovery, while the two bullets remained lodged in her husband’s body.

“Because of a sore, the bullets cannot be taken out,” said Khosi, who explained that her husband has been paralysed from the waist down.

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Fundraiser launched for pastor

After hospitalisation, the pastor had to be taken to a rehabilitation centre in Hillcrest for physiotherapy.

However, said Khosi, this has been delayed because of the sore which requires treatment that comes at a hefty price tag.

“The treatment is very expensive and we are really struggling,” said Khosi.

This has prompted some staff at the centre, Sister Alison Russell and Shannon Berriman, to set up a BackaBuddy campaign to assist the pastor and his family with the exorbitant treatment costs.

“Robert is still a patient in Hillcrest Hospital and hasn’t been home since the incident due to a horrific pressure sore that developed from the first hospital after the incident took place. Private wound sisters have been helping with Robert’s wounds and a Back a Buddy account has been opened to raise funds for medical costs. Unfortunately the funds are running out and we would dearly love to see Robert’s pressure sore completely healed and to help Robert get reunited with his family at home. There are also going to be costs involved in altering the Shazis’ home to accommodate a wheelchair and other equipment that will be needed once Robert has been discharged.

“Robert is the most humble, kind, caring man who asks for nothing and gives so much. If you are able to help in any way, please consider making a donation towards his medical costs, into the Back a Buddy account https://www.backabuddy.co.za/campaign/helpsupport-pastor-robert-after-church-shooting,” said Russell and Berriman.

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