Melville’s Dewald Beetge is on the road to recovery
He was shot five times in a farm attack on October 15. A R30 000 reward is on offer for positive information.
With what his family calls ‘God’s grace’ Dewald Beetge continues to make a recovery after a shooting incident that shocked the South Coast community.
Dewald had just returned home in Melville when he was confronted by intruders and shots were fired on the afternoon of October 15. He was shot five times in the farm attack.
He was airlifted to a Durban hospital, where he was treated in the ICU surgery ward in an induced coma to reduce swelling and stop bleeding on the brain.
However, last week brought wonderful news about Dewald’s recovery. He is out of ICU and is now in the surgical ward, closer to the hospital entrance, and as his family says, ‘closer to coming home’.
According to his father, Karel Beetge, doctors are pleased with Dewald’s progress. X-rays taken of his lungs show strong improvement, and he is now completely off the ventilator with most of his drips removed.
“Dewald is in good spirits,” said Karel. “His wounds are healing fast, some almost completely healed. He even indicated that he has vision in his right eye – where he sustained a gunshot wound. We can only thank the Lord Jesus Christ for this remarkable healing and progress.”
Dewald is determined to regain his strength and has remarkably started to walk and talk.
The community continues to rally behind him and his family. Friends and supporters from across the country wore white in celebration of Dewald’s birthday, while locals gathered at the Pumula park to mark the occasion.
“Our hearts are celebrating for two reasons: Dewald’s healing and his 22nd birthday,” said family friend Janine Currin.
“Karel, we think of you in this long struggle of yours. Dewald, you are making us so proud.”
Karel has confirmed that the reward for positive information leading to answers in Dewald’s shooting remains at R30 000.
The Beetge family expressed their deep gratitude to everyone for their continued prayers, love and support. “We are thankful beyond words for every message, every prayer, and every bit of faith shared,” said Karel.
“God is truly performing miracles.”
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