Koos Boshoff will remember his December differently than some.
While many were counting off the days until Christmas, the Utrecht resident was recovering from a freak accident, involving a lawnmower and a metal bolt.
Simply escaping with full use of his arm is considered a miracle, wife, Mariekie revealed.
Mr Boshoff is well known in the Utrecht community for his grass-cutting services, and the run-up to Christmas was a busy time for him.
This was mostly due to a few downpours in the area, which prompted grass to flourish.
“The regular clients’ lawns needed urgent attention before Christmas,” Mrs Boshoff explained.
On December 16, Mr Boshoff and his assistant were finishing up at a client’s home, when what was presumed to be a stone was caught in the blades of the lawnmower.
The object was flung with a massive force into Mr Boshoff’s forearm.
“It was an impact similar to that of a bullet out of a gun.”
In shock and bleeding heavily, Mr Boshoff was rushed home, and presumed his arm was either fractured or seriously wounded.
The pain had worsened by the following morning.
Referred for X-rays by Dr Willie du Plessis, Mr Boshoff was shocked to find his arm was not broken, the source of his pain far more bizarre.
“A metal bolt had lodged itself between his radius and ulna in the forearm.”
After undergoing surgery, the piece of metal was removed from Mr Boshoff’s arm, and now rests in a bottle for friends and family to marvel at.
He expressed sincere thanks to the staff and doctors at Mediclinic Newcastle.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, Mrs Boshoff said her husband was recovering well, but had to visit a specialist in Gauteng to ascertain the extent of the damage.
However, she is convinced of a miracle.
“If the bolt had gone a millimetre to the left or right, it would have shattered the bones in his arm. He would have probably lost the use of his arm.”
Concluding, the Boshoff family urged residents to ensure the area was free of stones, glass or small metal objects, before using the lawnmower.
“Thank you to all the Utrecht community, who carried us forward in prayer. There is a long period of recovery ahead.”
