A Bronkhorstspruit man was recovering well at Steve Biko academic hospital after a car accident and a “horror experience” at Mamelodi hospital.

Devon Knoetze (26) was involved in a serious car accident on Thursday, 6 May, in Bronkhorstspruit.

He was travelling with his mother Theresa Knoetze (61) and his sister’s five-year-old child when the accident occurred.

Initially, he and his mother who both suffered serious injuries were rushed to Bronkhorstspruit’s hospital but was then transferred to Mamelodi hospital east of Pretoria.

Devon had suffered severe injuries to both his legs and Theresa had internal injuries.

This week he spoke to Rekord, saying that he never received treatment for his injuries at Mamelodi hospital.

“I woke up in hospital with one very badly stitched leg and the wound on the other leg was just left open.”

Devon said in three days, none of the hospital staff came to clean his wounds or change his bandages.

“They wouldn’t even help me up and left me literally laying in my own filth.”

Devon said he had wet himself as his catheter was never emptied or cleaned.

Since his admittance to the hospital, Devon said he was also never fed.

“Nothing. I got absolutely nothing from them (hospital staff) in the days I was at Mamelodi.”

Devon’s sister Sulet Venter, with the help of a former ward councillor in Bronkhorstspruit Carenesta de Jager, insisted that Devon be discharged. He was admitted to Steve Biko academic hospital on Saturday.

Devon told Rekord he received much better treatment there and on Wednesday, his right leg was finally operated on.

Devon’s mother was still at Mamelodi hospital but was seemingly receiving better treatment.

Venter said in a message shared with Rekord: “With my mom it’s going surprisingly well. Her lung and kidneys (that were damaged in the accident) are healing well. Her ribs still hurt, but I understand that broken ribs heal slowly.”

Theresa was also awaiting an operation on her leg.

Mamelodi hospital spokesperson Aobakwe Selebogo was asked for comment on the alleged mistreatment in Devon’s case, but was yet to respond at the time of going to print.