UPDATE: Petrol bomb survivor back in hospital
Six-year-old victim still struggles to walk.
THE condition of the six-year-old eSikhaleni petrol bomb survivor Aphelele Gwala, took a turn for the worst last week with reports of several infections and major health complications.
Aphelele visited the Ngwelezana Hospital for follow-up treatment on her burn wounds.
Her wounds were reportedly seriously infected and required urgent readmission – ten days after the brave girl was discharged from the hospital’s Burns Unit.
Aphelele was rescued from a blazing fire by her mother last month, after their house at eMadukwini outside eSikhaleni was petrol bombed by unknown assailants.
She received third-degree burns on her leg, chest and arms.
Her mother, Nompumelelo Nyandeni, claimed the attack was politically motivated owing to her affiliation to the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).
On Friday Nyandeni told the Zululand Observer she was shocked to learn her daughter’s condition deteriorated.
‘I thought they would only change her bandages and let us go back home. I didn’t realise her health was deteriorating. ‘ she said.
‘It’s just difficult to see my child in this condition, especially when there are other children around.
‘Since the incident she hasn’t been able to stand or walk, and struggles to play with her friends. The fire did too much damage and I don’t know if she will ever be the same,’ said a tearful Nyandeni.
She also said the ordeal has caused financial difficulties for her family.
‘I am unemployed and have two children in school. I borrowed money from people to take her to the hospital, but now I can’t visit her because it has run out,’ she said.
Nyandeni supports her four children with R700 social grants.
She said her financial situation has also made it impossible for her to fix the damages to her house and she has to rely on relatives for food and shelter.
