Bullying victim Zhane Abubakr is over the moon after being told the surgery to repair his broken neck vertebrae was successful.
|||Durban - Bullying victim Zhane Abubakr is over the moon after being told the surgery to repair his broken neck vertebrae was successful.
“Fortunately, Zhane will be able to walk again. I spoke to his doctor and he said the operation was a success,” said Thami Chizama, the spokesman for King Dinuzulu (King George V) Hospital, where the Chatsworth schoolboy has been in intensive care after his surgery at the weekend.
But it could take months before he makes a complete recovery and it seems unlikely he will be able to finish the school year.
Zhane, 18, was injured two weeks ago when two schoolmates performed a dangerous wrestling manoeuvre on him, dropping him head first on to concrete paving.
In an interview on Monday Zhane said that he was looking forward to walking again, after being immobilised since the attack. He struggled to speak because of the operation.
“The pain is there, but I’ll be okay now,” said Zhane, who added that he felt bad his loved ones were so worried about him.
“I enjoy outdoor stuff, like going out with friends. At least I will still be able to do that after some time.”
He would not be going back to school this year, his grandfather Bobby Moodley said on Tuesday morning.
“He has already missed almost three weeks of classes. His doctors say that it will not be safe for him to return to school any time soon.”
This could mean he will have to repeat Grade 11 next year, Moodley said.
“He is very emotional and I don’t want to stress him about school. Every time I tried to raise the subject, he burst out crying.”
He said Zhane had been looking forward to completing his matric next year and pursuing a career in electrical engineering.
“For now I am just thankful to God he is alive. The rest will fall into place.”
Moodley said Zhane had started physiotherapy. “The physiotherapist came earlier and helped Zhane. He said it was a good sign that Zhane was able to move his left leg; it was very encouraging.”
Zhane, his parents and elder brother have lived with Moodley since Zhane was a baby.
Moodley said his daughter and son-in-law had been struggling to find jobs in Durban and relocated to Johannesburg about a year ago. Zhane opted to stay with him.
Chizama said Zhane was still in the early stages of recovery but was responding well to treatment.
“He will not suffer any form of paralysis, which is what the team (of doctors) was trying to prevent.“
Zhane underwent bone graft surgery where surgeons removed a piece of his hip to repair the damage to three neck vertebrae.
On Sunday, Marklands Secondary principal, Anwar Khan, visited Zhane in hospital.
Moodley said Khan was shocked at the seriousness of Zhane’s injuries.
“I asked him if the boys that attacked Zhane had been suspended. He promised to give me feedback this week.”
Moodley said the suspects were well known to his grandson.
“He still cannot believe that they assaulted him so badly. He says it was unprovoked.”
Moodley said after the news of his grandson’s assault became public his family had received threats.
“I reported it to the police. I was told it is a petty thing and cannot open a case.”
But I made them make an entry in the docket, Moodley said.
He said he was grateful for all the prayers and support his family had received in recent weeks.
“Zhane’s recovery is a miracle. All the prayers and support have encouraged us not to lose hope.”
Department of Education spokesman, Muzi Mahlambi, said its investigation was continuing.
“We are dealing with children, and have to follow procedures.”
He said the suspects - if granted bail - could still attend school until Marklands Secondary with the help of department inspectors made the recommendation to the head of department to suspend the pupils.
The suspects appeared in the Chatsworth Magistrate’s Court on August 1 and were released into the custody of their parents.
A police spokesman said the two were facing attempted murder charges.
tankiso.makhetha@inl.co.za
Daily News