While she is trying to recover from the trauma of being robbed at gunpoint and also recover from the injuries she suffered during the robbery, she is now trying to deal with the life changing possibility of being blind.
Wilhemina Makgoba of Zandspruit fell victim to a crime of street robbery on Thursday 9 April. According to her partner, David Phasha, she was shot while on her way from Zandspruit to Cosmo City. “She was walking with a friend and they were taking the short route though the park on Plot 52 in Zandspruit,” explained Phasha.
The two women were then ambushed by two armed robbers who took their cellphones and shot Makgoba in the cheek before they fled the scene.
Since the unfortunate incident that occurred almost a month back, Makgoba is still in hospital and the bullet has of yet not been removed. At the heart of his frustration, Phasha is concerned that his partner is now blind. Being constantly transferred between Helen Joseph Hospital and the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital without a proper explanation is also not helping the distraught couple. “She was first admitted at Helen Joseph and later transferred to Charlotte Maxeke and I thought that is where the bullet was going to be removed. She is now transferred to Helen Joseph again but the bullet is still not removed,” explained Phasha.
It’s been a terrible time for the family, with their youngest, only two years old, constantly asking for the mother’s whereabouts. “How do I explain to him that the mother is fighting for her life in hospital? Will he understand why [Mommy] cannot recognise or see him because she is blind?” Phasha said sadly.
He highlighted that he really wished he had enough money to send his partner to a private hospital for the bullet to be removed and save her life. “Unfortunately, I cannot afford it as I’m unemployed and rely on odd jobs to make a living,” shared the distraught Phasha.
Honeydew Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs confirmed that their detectives were investigating the case. “Currently, no arrests have been made in the case,” said WO Jacobs. Anyone with information is requested to contact the investigating officer Sergeant Chris Molapo on 073 569 2222.
The Gauteng Department of Health still has to comment on the matter and explain what is causing the delay in removing the bullet from Makgoba’s face.
