Irish Hattingh, the woman who was shot in her car multiple times and seriously wounded early December last year, is recuperating at home.
Family spokesperson Appel Ernst confirmed to the Herald that Hattingh was discharged from hospital in December but had gone back over the festive period for wound treatment. She is now back home.
Hattingh was shot in her car multiple times while driving back from an auction on December 3 in Elandsvlei. She was travelling with her son at the time who fortunately escaped unharmed.
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Speaking on behalf of Hattingh, her sister Marianne Wright, added that they are grateful and thankful as a family to the community of Randfontein and its surrounding areas who have been supporting them during these difficult times.
“No words can explain how grateful Irish is for all the support that you have given her. Your prayers, messages, thoughts and every bit of help in every single way mean a lot to her. She would also like to thank the person who stopped his car and drove her son to find his father, Thys, and to the person who also made the phone call to informed him [Thys] about the incident. We as a family are so grateful to you both,” said Wright, who added her sister is doing better than ever after the incident.
Also read: Woman shot in car: Family confirms Irish stable but still in ICU
Meanwhile, Hattingh has been in surgery eight times due to the injuries sustained during the senseless shooting.
Her left knee that was shattered in three places is now being held together with metal while her right leg, with the shattered femur, is also being held together with metal.
“She is physically doing good under the circumstances. It’s not very comfortable as one can imagine but she is a trooper and knows that this is temporary,” said Wright, who concluded that mentally, the family has a long way to go.
Also read: Irish Hattingh shooting: Family grateful for support