Salt Rock dentist helps restore smile of assault victim who was left disfigured in armed robbery

A Groutville man whose teeth – and confidence – were shattered in an attack by armed robbers, has finally seen his smile restored.

Salt Rock dentist Dr Lino Cericola responded to an article in the Courier about 32-year-old Sanele Ngiba who was desperate to get his smile restored after his teeth were damaged by armed robbers 3 years ago in Thembeni.

Ngiba was battling with low self-esteem because of his disfigured front teeth and was unable to afford the cost of fixing them.

In 2018 Ngiba was held up at gunpoint by a group of men.

“They took all my money and other personal belongings and assaulted me badly. I could not even walk out of the house because of the injuries,” said Ngiba.

The father of 4 went to General Gizenga Mpanza Hospital in KwaDukuza where he was told he could not be helped because of the extensive nerve damage.

A private dentist quoted him about R16 000 to repair his teeth, but this was way beyond his means.

“After my story was published in the Courier, I got a call from Dr Cericola asking me to come in. He found an infection and had to re-do the front teeth, a procedure that took about 5 months,” said Ngiba.

He said he felt motivated to start his life afresh.

“I went back to register for a teaching degree at the University of South Africa and started looking for another job. I got one at a petrol station in Eshowe. My confidence is back and thanks to Dr Cericola and the Courier for helping me. I do not have enough words to express my appreciation. Thank you.”