Siyamthanda needs new prosthetic leg after mauled by three pit bulls

Siyamthanda Bakamela was only nine years old in 2015 when three pit bulls mauled her right leg which was subsequently amputated six days after the incident.

Now at 16 years old, the teenager is struggling to get a new prosthetic leg. Her father, Vusi Khumalo, spoke to the Southern Courier about their hardship since that fateful day on May 25.

“She was in Grade Four at WH Coetzer Primary School when this happened. After she was discharged from the hospital she had to start Grade Three as she was in a new school, Verney College, where she obtained a bursary to study further.

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“Her primary schooling went well. When she was in Grade Eight, she mixed with the wrong crowd of people and she was doing mischievous things. When I talked to her she said she never accepted what happened to her, hence the behaviour. Siyamthanda’s marks took a nosedive and she lost the bursary,” he said.

Vusi said that as a father he needed to do something to help his daughter.

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“I decided to take her to the rural KwaBulawayo, and I’m glad I did that as she coped very well, regrouped and went back to school. She is with me in Johannesburg, however, she’s been out of school for two months as she needs a new prosthetic leg.

“The leg that she has is broken and the doctor who used to help us is struggling to continue doing so. Dis-Chem Foundation also at one stage sponsored her and provided counselling.

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Now we can’t get hold of them. I must say Dr Roger Wilson is still keen to help us for free but without funds, his hands are tied.

“I’m afraid if she does not get the help she needs then she will go back to her mischievous ways, that is why I’m appealing for urgent support.”

Wilson confirmed that he has many patients like Siyamthanda who need help but funds have dried up.

“In Siyamthanda’s case, she needs a refit which might cost in a region of R20 000 for the material, although a new prosthetic leg might cost up to R100 000. Psychologically she has been through a lot and it would be great if she can receive help,” he said.

Vusi said that the case against the owner of the dogs holds no promise.

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“They said they can’t locate the owner to give him a summons as this was a civil matter. I suspect the owner is no longer here in South Africa,” he said.

Vusi may be contacted on 064 101 3963.

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