UPDATE: Ray of hope for Sashni

The family of the 27-year-old Stanger woman who was critically injured three weeks ago during a violent service delivery protest, has described her recovery as a miracle.

Sashni Daniel, a well-known jewellery consultant in Ballito, has been fighting for her life at Albert Luthuli Hospital after she was hit by a brick thrown onto the R102 during a service delivery protest in Shaka’s Head on Sunday, February 25.

She suffered a fractured skull, three blood clots and swelling to the brain. Doctors told her family last week that Sashni was critical and that her only hope was prayer.

Also read: Miracle for Shaka’s Head protest victim

The news of Sashni’s condition sparked widespread outrage and a wave of prayer on social media, with people from religious organisations from as far as Canada praying for her recovery.

In just a few days, those prayers were answered when the young woman regained consciousness.

Her father Kovi Daniel, said Sashni is now stable and responsive. She has been taken off life support and is breathing on her own.

“Sashni was moved out of ICU to the general ward. There are a few complications and at the moment she cannot seem to move her neck. The swelling has gone down and she is even saying a few words but she is very restless. Her memory is at 60 percent and there is bruising on her brain which will take some time to heal.”

Kovi said Sashni’s doctors were stunned at her sudden turnaround.

“I can only thank the public for joining hands and praying for my daughter. I believe it is because of them that she is recovering. It will be a long recovery and I am still appealing for people to pray for my child.”

An interfaith prayer for Sashni’s recovery was attended by more than 100 people on Friday at the Stanger Siva Sangum Hall.

The disabled father who relies on his daughter as the primary breadwinner is still calling on KDM to accept responsibility for what took place during the service delivery protest.

Residents of the township had taken to the streets because they were left without electricity for 11 hours after KwaDukuza municipality (KDM) stopped their electricians from working overtime.

Mayor Mthembu said he would not comment on a plan of action until he has met with the family.

He said he planned to do so on Tuesday, March 13.

Umhlali SAPS captain Vinny Pillay said 11 cars had been stoned during the protest and four motorists were injured, yet only three cases have been opened.

“Service delivery protests are a growing problem. Just last weekend there was one in Fairbreeze because the township did not have electricity. They were throwing bottles at other residents. Luckily no one was badly hurt but this needs to stop and the root of it needs to be addressed by municipalities.”

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