Triathlete on long road to recovery
AS DURBAN triathlete Mhlengi Gwala rides the arduous road to recovery after three unknown men attempted to saw off his legs during a training run, he says the public’s continuous show of support has been comforting and therapeutic.
On Thursday, he celebrated his 27th birthday and, as a treat, renowned sports presenter Robert Marawa had Gwala as a special guest on his Thursday Night Live with Marawa show, which is aired weekly on Dstv channel Supersport4.
Once again, Gwala was overwhelmed by the birthday greetings and “get well” wishes he received on air.
Gwala, a Chesterville resident, was left for dead last month when his attackers used a chainsaw, which was later confirmed by doctors, to cut off his legs.
The brutal attack stirred a groundswell of support which included a crowdfunding initiative that raised more than R600 000 for his medical bills.
He was discharged from hospital a day before the Easter holidays, and made his first public appearance this week, when he boarded a flight to Johannesburg for the engagement with Marawa.
His friend Sandile Shange was alongside him during the TV appearance.
“Since the news broke about my attack, I have been flooded with messages of support and people visited me while I was in the hospital. I never thought people would recognise me. I’m truly grateful.”
During his interview with Marawa, Gwala relived last month’s attack and the subsequent support he received from across the globe.
Gwala said Dr Kevin Subban was impressed with his rate of progress after a check-up earlier this week. “Apart from some minor pain, I am doing well. Although my doctor has a date in mind when I would be strong enough to get back to the training, I feel the strength returning to my legs.”
He had his first rehabilitation session with a biokineticist at a sports medical facility stationed at Moses Mabhida Stadium, this week.
Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane said no progress has been