82-year-old woman from eMbalenhle falls into an open storm water drain

eMBALENHLE – Ms Annah Mnisi narrowly escaped death after she had fallen into an open storm water drain in Ext 8 recently.

The 82-year-old went to the butchery to buy tripe when the incident occurred.

Ms Mnisi said delivery was delayed at the butchery until about 6pm and it was dark because there was no electricity.

She said a car approached her at high speed and she tried to get onto the pavement but fell into the hole.

Ms Mnisi said if it had not been for strangers passing by, she would have been dead.

“I fell on my back and could feel there was steel in the hole.

“I screamed for help and fortunately there were boys passing by who managed to help me out.

“I cannot explain how I survived, but I am grateful to God and the boys who helped me.

“The pain is unbearable and I hope my spine will be ok.”

Ms Mnisi said right after she was rescued from the hole, a resident nearby told her that another woman had also been rescued from the same hole.

Ms Mnisi was taken to Evander Hospital and was discharged on the same day.

The family was not pleased with the treatment that she received at the hospital and was only given Panado.

“My mother was in pain and it seemed as though the nurses did not care.

“They gave her pain killers and a bottle of oil.

“We went to a doctor who told us to throw the medicine away,” said Ms Mnisi’s daughter.

Residents told the newspaper that the hole has been open for some time and they have lost count of how many times they have reported it to the municipality.

“It was covered and barricaded before and reopened in December.

“It is very risky and not a week goes by that we do not hear people scream for help when they have fallen into the hole.

“The municipality must do something about this before someone dies,” said a resident.

The Mnisi family thanked everyone who helped them during this time and said Ms Mnisi is recovering at home.

Govan Mbeki Municipality and Evander Hospital were not available for comment.