KZN teen back home after being stabbed multiple times

A 13-year-old girl, who was stabbed multiple times and robbed on Monday afternoon, has been discharged from hospital.

She was stabbed at least a dozen times while she and her younger brother were walking along a bridge near the Chota Motala and Willowton intersection in Pietermaritzburg, KZN.

The girl’s father, Bheki Shezi, said he is relieved his daughter is recovering at home.

“I am happy that she is home now. She and my son were traumatised by what happened to them,” said Shezi.

The Witness reported that the children were on their way back from an appointment at Northdale Hospital, and were walking to the taxi rank to catch a taxi back home to Mpophomeni, when a man grabbed the girl, stabbed her and stole her cellphone.

Shezi said he was at work when he received a call informing him of what had happened to his children.

“As they were walking close to the bridge, they were approached by a man and they ran. The man told them not to run as he would not harm them. As they continued to walk, he grabbed hold of my daughter as he saw she had a phone in her hand. My daughter fell and the man began to stab her. My children have been traumatised by this. I was at work when I got the call. A man who saw my daughter on the [ground] called Mi7 and they called me.

“I was so shocked I left everything and ran,” said Shezi.

Mi7 National Group director Colin David advises pupils and parents to remain vigilant, especially when walking around town and hotspot crime areas.

The area around Chota Motala and Chatterton Road bridges, located near the railway line, has historically been known as a spot where robberies and muggings occur.

“The railway line, unfortunately, provides a convenient escape route for criminals. While we haven’t seen an increased trend in such incidents, it’s crucial for pedestrians in these areas to be cautious. This includes avoiding carrying items of value, especially cellphones, which can be a target for opportunistic crimes.

“Additionally, we recommend that school children walk in groups whenever possible, as there is safety in numbers. These groups should stick to main roads and avoid shortcuts through isolated areas. It is important to know their parent’s or guardian’s contact numbers in case of emergency,” says David.