Please help man in need
ALEXANDRA – Help needed for destitute man hospitalised for rat wounds.
A community worker in Alex is appealing to the public for support for a destitute man due to be released from the Edenvale Hospital after being treated for wounds and general ill health. The man was rescued from living in the open, in unhygienic conditions on 5th Avenue, Edenvale.
Themba (or Raymond) Xaba (47) was assessed by a social worker before he was taken to the hospital by ambulance three weeks ago.
Xaba had rat-bite wounds on his feet and painful legs and joints, which inhibited him from walking. He was also in ill health from lack of food, bathing and care.
Moss Maimela said he was called to the man by a granny who allowed him to occupy an open space adjacent to her home after he was bitten by rats, which were attracted to his unhygienic surroundings, including dirty blankets and rags he used as a defence against the cold, wet weather.
Maimela said, “I fear he will relapse if he is discharged from the hospital without proper arrangements for his health and safety; he needs appropriate clothing and food.”
The man’s life was said to have deteriorated after he was released from prison in 2013 for an undisclosed offence. He seems to have lost touch with family members in Soweto. His few dirty, worn out possessions were donated by benevolent individuals and churches.
Anyone wanting to donate can contact Maimela on 060 615 3783.
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