By NANZA PLATANA
Rhodes Education student Mahlatse Kevin Ramokgopa, 32, spent three weeks in intensive care at Livingstone Hospital in Gqeberha after sustaining a head wound in an attack at his flat on 2 October.
Ramokgopa’s fellow student and flatmate, Njabulo Dlibako, has been charged with attempted murder following the attack and will appear in regional court on 8 November.
Ramokgopa’s partner, Olwethu Ludlala, said Kevin had been discharged, but the incident left him slightly disoriented and with confused speech and articulation.
“His speech remains largely affected, so he will be attending speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physiotherapy,” Ludlala said.
In a court statement, Kevin Ramokgopa’s father, Daniel Ramokgopa, said at 11.10 pm he and his wife received the news that their son had been attacked and was in a coma. At midnight, the family hastily made the 15-hour trip from Lebowakgowa, Limpopo, to Makhanda.
When the family arrived at Settler’s Hospital, Kevin was unconscious – his eyes were half-open and were unresponsive to movement. Kevin was transferred to Livingstone Hospital, where a thorough brain scan was conducted.
“The doctor told us that Kevin had been hit with a sharp object above his right eye,” Daniel Ramokgopa said. Kevin had to undergo brain surgery to stop the haemorrhaging (internal bleeding) in his brain and relieve the subsequent swelling.
Daniel Ramokgopa credited the surgical team and medical staff for saving Kevin’s life. “We are so grateful that he has received the necessary medical attention, and he is coming through,” he said.
The incident caused great shock and left the family in a constant state of panic. “We were in deep pain and anguish because we did not expect Kevin to sustain such a near-fatal injury in his own residence,” Daniel Ramokgopa said.
Kevin must commute between Makhanda and Gqeberha for routine checkups and therapy twice weekly. “We would appreciate all the financial support we can get from the community,” Ramokgopa said.
He also pleaded for help with accommodation as they are required to be in town until the court case has been concluded.
The family also asked for donations towards Kevin’s medical care and transportation costs.
When contacted for comment, Rhodes University Communications stated that they could not comment at this stage as the matter is currently with the police.
To help Kevin recover from head trauma, use the following link to donate: https://gogetfunding.com/help-kevin-recover-from-head-trauma/?fbclid=IwAR2pbPby_o22O0-MYyKJ6pbEoKpRusEl1Z-jctgsjHBPLfWBgretFqktDhs
