AFTER a horrific stabbing incident at the intersection of Richmond and Old Main Road in Pinetown recently, David van der Merwe (65), is now back home and healing from the ordeal.
David was stabbed and assaulted, by two men, for his cellphone.
According to his wife, Dolores, the window to his vehicle was a quarter of the way down when he came to a stop at the intersection.
One of the two suspects allegedly put his arm into the car and opened the car door from inside. The second man pulled the door open.
Dolores said the two men tried to reach for her husband’s cellphone, which was on a magnet on the dashboard, as well as whatever other valuables they could see.
David fended them off and knocked his cellphone onto the floor of the car. During his attempt to fend off the two men, one of the assailants pulled out a knife.
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The assailant stabbed David multiple times in his left hand cutting his tendons and muscles. Despite his condition, he drove himself to Life The Crompton Hospital.
He was given an AIDS test as well as a Covid-19 test, and later transferred to Netcare St Augustine’s Hospital.
David went into the operating theatre on Sunday, 30 August for four-and-a-half hours. A drain was put into his arm to help clear up any infection and the wound would be stitched up completely.
He said it is taking him time to recover emotionally from the incident but that in time he will ‘be good’.
“The surgery went well and I will be going to the doctor for a check up to see if a physiotherapist is needed. Right now, I only have movement in my fingers and I am not yet sure about the full recovery. Only time will tell,” he said.
He urged other motorists to keep their doors locked, their windows closed and to remain vigilant.
Caxton Local Media Covid-19 reporting
