UPDATE: Protest victim Sashni Daniel celebrates birthday at home

After fighting for her life for nearly four months, Sashni Daniel defied the odds and celebrated her 28th birthday on Monday.

The Stanger resident was hit by a brick during the violent service delivery protest at Shaka’s Head in February.

After undergoing two brain operations as well as a stroke and contracting meningitis, Sashni appears to have made a miraculous recovery.

She was transferred from Albert Luthuli to Stanger hospital three weeks ago. A fortnight ago she doctors allowed her to return home.

Sashni said she was grateful for the prayers and support from the community. She is currently undergoing physiotherapy and is slowly regaining her memory.

“I wish there was something I could do for them but all I can do is say thank you.”

Sashni’s disabled father Kovi Daniel said he felt as though he had lost his daughter twice, after both brain operations. He said he was confident that she would make a full recovery and was overwhelmed by the support of complete strangers.

“Sashni, my mother and myself live together and Sashni was our main breadwinner. We faced a challenge with making the house wheelchair friendly but thankfully we had donations to redo our wbathroom and we now have a special bed for her.”

Sashni’s mother Queenie Sam said her daughter could not speak for months but now she could not stop. Sam said she thanked God for a second chance with her baby girl.

Speaking about his experience, her boyfriend of five years Bradley Naidoo, said the last three months were the worst of his life.

He said his love for Sashni left no question as to whether or not he would stand by her and nothing made him happier than celebrating another year with her.

“We would visit her at the hospital and just see her lying there with tubes connected to her and it was heartbreaking.

“After her second brain surgery, it took some time for her to recognise people and at first, she did not know who I was but thankfully that was shortlived.

“Everyone says that she is lucky to have me but I am lucky to have her.”

After Sashni was discharged from the hospital, the 32-year old took on the responsibility of bathing, feeding and helping her to be as comfortable as possible.

“She started physiotherapy on June 22 and she is still getting used to eating solid foods but she is getting better every day.”

Before the tragedy, the couple were talking about getting engaged this year and married next year. Naidoo, who is self-employed, said those plans had been put on hold and the focus was now on Sashni’s full recovery.

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