POLOKWANE – THE man who was saved from the jaws of a crocodile by his friend has died in hospital due to complications.
CV reported last week about Lemogang Molobela’s rescue of his friend Chaiphus Chauke (27), who was snatched by a crocodile as he attempted to cross the overflowing Lepelle river near Sekororo closed to Tzaneen.
Molobela carried Chauke some four kilometres to the main road to get help. Chauke was attended to by paramedics and taken to a hospital where he was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Chauke had been making good progress, and spoke telephonically to CV just days after his ordeal. He gave glory to God for his survival and said he believed he had been given a second chance at life.
Shortly thereafter, Chauke underwent a stomach operation due to his injuries. According to health spokesperson, Max Lesufi, Chauke developed complications soon after the operation and died.
Chauke’s sister, Lucia, said the family was still trying to come to terms with his death. She said her brother would be laid to rest in Zimbabwe, which was where their family came from.
“We do not have money to transport his body back home. We appeal to any good Samaritans to help us,” she said, and added that anyone who could assist them could contact the Maruleng Municipality.
