Athlete sobs over cut fingers which cost her army job
MBABANE – The athlete, who missed out on the recent army recruitment, became emotional when testifying against the man who chopped off her fingers during a robbery.
Nongcebo Mathabela was attacked and hacked by Vuyo Selby Kunene while in a shop, where she was employed as a shop assistant at Sigangeni. She lost some of her fingers and also suffered an injury to the head during the attack.
However, the injuries have healed. The trial commenced last Wednesday. Mathabela tried to contain her emotions, however, they got the better of her when she started narrating the incident to the court.
She told the court that, as a result of the injuries, she missed out on an opportunity to compete for a job in the army during the recruitment exercise.
“I participated in the 3.2km race, which was the first stage of the recruitment. I outpaced everyone. However, while waiting for the other aspirant soldiers, I recalled that I had lost some of my fingers. It was worse when the army officials disqualified me due to the extent of my injuries. I watched the others doing exercises, which I believe I could have done better,” submitted Mathabela, while fighting back tears.
She added that, not only did the disqualification affect her, but also the fact that the residents and the authorities from the areas knew about her situation.
Sobbing
Acting Judge Fikile Nhlabatsi instructed a court orderly to give Mathabela some water and tissue paper as she was sobbing.
The court took brief adjournment to allow her some time to calm her nerves.
She continued after the break to inform the court that her future was not guaranteed due to the injuries she sustained during the attack. It was her evidence that she was currently attached to the Royal Eswatini Athletics team.
NONGCEBO MATHABELA, WHOSE fiNGERS WERE CHOPPED, IN COURT YESTERDAY.
Kunene apologised to Mathabela in writing. In his letter of apology, he extended his apology to Mathabela and stated that he did not know what came over him on the day in question. He said he did not have any reason to attack Mathabela.
“I am very apologetic about my act, which has cost you your future career as an athlete. I am ready for anything that may amount to justice. You deserve justice,” Kunene submitted.
The acting judge stated that it was unfortunate that there was no way to compel anyone to hire Mathabela, considering the fact that she was attacked and injured unprovoked while at her workplace.
Nhlabatsi mentioned that securing a job could be the only way for Mathabela to heal from the traumatic experience.
Notably, Mathabela got first position during the recent 21km Vusi Masuku half marathon, which was held at the Police Academy.
The matter continues in court.