Burn victim hopes to be a soldier and save the world
Boy intentionally burnt by aunt
A 12-year-old burn victim has a dream of becoming a soldier and saving the world.
Now the orphanage Sfiso Sithole lives in, in Tembisa on the East Rand, is trying to help him realise his dream of becoming a soldier by raising funds through social media for his surgical procedures that costs over R1m.
It is alleged that Sfiso was intentionally torched in a shack by his aunt, who accused him of stealing R8 from her vendor shop in Daveyton in August last year. Sifiso spent more than a year in hospital until he was discharged in October.
Children of Fire medical researcher Yamamzima Mazibuko said the surgical procedure would cost more than R1m.
“It can cost R1m or more to repair a child well. Many procedures can no longer be done in South Africa. If there is skull bone damage beneath the skin he would probably need to go overseas,” said Mazibuko.
Siyazigabisa Home of Hope & African founder Gabisile Khoza, a musician and actor, took Sfiso to the orphanage after realising that he has not fully recovered from his burn wounds .
Police spokesperson Kay Makhubele confirmed that a case of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm was opened at the Ivory Park police station and no arrests have been made yet.
Khoza confirmed that Sfiso spent more than a year in hospital.
Sfiso’s mother refused to talk to Sowetan when contacted for comment.
Sfiso has not been in school since the incident. When Sowetan contacted the Gauteng department of education spokesperson Steve Mabona, he said: “We can confirm that contact will be established with the parent with a view of assessing the support needs of the learner.”
People who wish to donate for Sfiso’s surgery should contact Khoza on 084-212-9437.