Paralysed man’s attackers jailed
A young man’s dream of becoming a traffic officer will never be realised. This after Lucas Mohlala (25) was beaten up and left paralysed by a group of youngsters after he had been accused of being a whistle-blower.
MBOMBELA-Lucas who now depends on the assistance of his unemployed and ageing mother,Elizabeth Mohlala, spends his days in bed.
He can hardly move from one place to another because he does not have a wheelchair. His best company is his headphones as he enjoys listening to soul-soothing music which somehow
helps him forget the young bubbly man he used to be prior to the incident which changed his life seven years ago.
“Maybe if he can get a motorised wheelchair, life will be easier as he can get out of the house,” explained his emotional mom.
She added that with her own continual health problems, taking good care of her son
has become harder to do. “If we get him a wheelchair, I believe things will be much
better.” Lucas’ family was relieved after the Nelspruit Magistrate’s Court finalised the
attempted murder case against the four men accused of beating Mohlala and leaving him
paralysed.
On October 29 the court sentenced Bongane Ngomane, Veli Methula and Vusi Sambo to 10 years each in jail. Charges were withdrawn against the fourth accused, Sifiso Ngoma due to lack of evidence against him. Previously the bed-ridden victim told how on November 8, 2008 the accused assaulted him with beer bottles and bricks, and kicked him.
This came after he had witnessed the assailants stealing goods from a local businessman. The four were arrested and released and upon their release apparently attacked the
businessman who in turn ratted the victim out.
Mohlala told the court the accused didn’t even listen to him when he pleaded for mercy. He was found by police and his parents with a swollen face and blood all over his body. Mohlala was admitted to Steve Biko Hhospital where he spent a month in the intensive-care unit. He was
then transferred to Themba Hospital where he spent three more months.
The Mohlala family said they were happy about the sentence although it left their son with
scars that will never heal. The family’s wish is that Good Samaritans may come forth and
donate a mobile wheelchair and monthly pampers for their son. Mpumalanga News also calls
on our noble readers to make a change and make life worthwhile for this family by simply
adhering to their plight especially because the country is celebrating the National Disability Rights Awareness Month from November 3 to December 3.
If you’d like to make a different contact 013-754-1622.
