ATHLETES from around KwaZulu-Natal have expressed their shock over the brutal attack of Hlengi Gwala after was attacked by three men who attempted to cut his leg off with a hacksaw in the early hours of Tuesday morning.
Gwala, a Chesterville resident, was cycling near the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Howard College Campus) around 3.30am when he was stopped by three men.
His friend and training partner, Sandile Shange explained how the horrific incident took place.
“He was cycling up the hill towards UKZN when he was stopped by the three men. They began dragging him towards the bushes and he thought they were trying to rob him so he offered his iPhone and his Garmin watch to the men. He was speaking in Zulu and pleading with the men to take the bicycle and his valuables but he realised they were speaking a different African language. The pulled him into the bushes and pulled out a hacksaw. They then tried to cut one of his leg’s off.
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“They were using it manually and they cut deep into one of his legs until they hit the bone and the saw got stuck. He was screaming for help the whole time. A passing security vehicle disturbed the men who ran off and Mhlengi managed to crawl out of the bushes and flag down the security. He is currently in Chief Albert Luthuli Hospital where he is recovering. The doctors will examine him again on Wednesday. The blood flow is good at the moment and he is able to move his toes which is a positive sign,” Shange said.
Durban North Olympic medallist, Henri Schoeman, who knows Gwala, said he was horrified by the incident.
“When I first heard the news, my heart sunk and I couldn’t comprehend how something like that could even be possible. As a cyclist, road safety is something very close to my heart. I wish Mhlengi all the best in his operation today and I hope he makes a full recovery. I know that he’s got tons of support here in Durban to help him through this tough time,” he told the Northglen News.
Schoeman also took to Twitter to express his disgust at the attack.
I wish all the best to @MhlengiGwala in his operation and road to recovery. We all stand behind you and support you as we need to make cycling safer on the roads in South Africa!
— Henri Schoeman (@H_Schoeman) March 6, 2018
Fellow KZN athlete, Chad Ho also expressed his dismay at the attack.
“Absolutely shocked and horrified about the news on a fellow athlete. Please keep Mhlengi Mhle Gwala in your prayers and thoughts,” he urged.
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