Soldier fights for life in ICU

Vishay Singh (22) of Palmview is currently in hospital fighting for his life after he was reportedly run over by two vehicles last Saturday night.

He serves in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), and had recently returned home from base for a short visit.

According to Vishay’s family, the incident occurred outside their house last Saturday (9th) at about 11pm.

Vishay’s sister Vashna Moolchand, said he went outside to begin moving their vehicles into the yard.

It was at this moment that the horrific incident occurred.

“The first vehicle that ran him over, drove over the side of his face while the second vehicle drove over his body,” said Vashna.

She added that the vehicles then turned around and proceeded to drive over him again a second time.

Vashna explained that her husband had witnessed the incident and rushed out to help.

The family raced a seriously injured Vishay to hospital.

Police spokesman Captain Petros Mpinge said a case of attempted murder was being investigated by Port Shepstone Saps detectives.

He said that two men, aged 35 and 24, had been arrested following the incident and were in police custody, awaiting their court appearance on January 19.

Capt. Mpinge confirmed that Vishay had been admitted to hospital and was in a critical condition.

The past few days have been tumultuous for the family and all they want is for Vishay to recover and return home.

According to Vashna, Vishay sustained multiple injuries, including cervical spine, nasal, jaw, leg and rib fractures, internal bleeding as well as brain damage.

She said that once Vishay’s injuries were assessed at the hospital, the doctor on duty advised her family to say their goodbyes, as he would not survive.

“Instructions were given to have him taken off the ventilator and put onto a T-piece,” she explained.

In that last emotionally taxing period, the family got together and prayed.

“We were told to pray for a miracle, so that’s what we did,” said Vashna.

When the doctor reappeared, Vashna asked why nothing could be done to help Vishay, as he had squeezed her hand every time she spoke to him.

When the doctor saw that Vishay was somewhat responsive, after twitching his eye and eyebrows, he was moved to ICU where he remained on the ventilator.

“Right there and then, before they could even pull the machine off him, we experienced a miracle,” said Vashna.

She further added, “It really has been a nightmare, but right now all we are doing is living with hope. All we are asking is to receive prayer for my brother.”

Vishay had been in training for one year and had only very recently qualified as a soldier.

2021 would mark his first year as an official soldier.

He came home from base on December 30 last year and was due to go back this Sunday (17th).

“From the time Vishay was a boy, he had wanted to be a soldier and he finally fulfilled his dream,” explained Vashna.

She described Vishay as a jovial and friendly person.

“So many people know him and can recall a moment they shared with him. He is our lifeline. Also, being the only grandson from my grandfather’s side, he carries the surname of our family,” she said.

The family would like to sincerely thank the people who have stood by them through this traumatic time and they ask that everyone continue to pray for Vishay’s recovery.

“Let’s focus on the fact that he’s fighting for his life right now and needs all the prayer he can get,” said Vashna.

The family also extend their thanks to the various personnel involved in helping during this time – hospital staff, paramedics, police and law enforcement and police, as well as friends and family.

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