Durban — Just a day after Police Minister Bheki Cele released the crime statistics on Friday, South African Medical Association (Sama) chairperson Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa was stabbed.
Mzukwa was on his way back from a Sama board meeting on Saturday, August 20. While on his way home from King Shaka International Airport he was attacked by an unknown man.
According to Sama vice-chairperson Edward Ngwenya, Mzukwa parked after the N2 Highway south bound by Spaghetti Junction, responding to the warning lights on his dashboard.
It is alleged that at about 8pm to 9pm an unknown man appeared and smashed his window. Mzukwa sustained multiple stab wounds on his chest. However, he managed to escape on foot after he was pulled out of his car by the attacker.
He was discovered by metro police officers, who helped him reach the emergency ward at a nearby hospital, where he is recovering in ICU.
“It was by God’s grace that he managed to run away and hide in the bushes. He stayed there until he saw the blue lights, and luckily it was the KZN metro police,” said Ngwenya.
He further stated that they were shocked by the incident, adding that the rise of crime in the country, especially in KZN, was very concerning.
“We are shocked by the despicable crime. We denounce the crime. Mzukwa took a 6pm flight back home to spend time with his family after our meeting. A few hours later, we heard about the incident.
“As much as no one life is more important than the other, if people who lead and help save lives can be easily attacked, imagine how many lives and murders go unreported or not broadcast,” said Ngwenya.
Meanwhile, Hospersa general secretary Waheed Hoosen has called on law enforcement agencies to find the perpetrators and bring them to book.
“We are shocked by the news of this violent crime perpetrated against the Sama chairperson. We wish Dr Mvuyisi Mzukwa strength, and a speedy recovery following this ordeal.
“The crime levels in South Africa have reached shocking levels, and this incident exhibits the severity of the problem,” said Hoosen.
Metro police spokesperson, Senior Superintendent Boysie Zungu, applauded the police for transporting Mzukwa to safety.
Zungu said he was proud of the police who did not hesitate to assist, regardless of how unsafe the country has become for everyone, including the police.
“We are still trying to get more information on the incident and find out who these members are. However, it goes without saying that they did a pretty good job. They abandoned their way to help save a life, and for that we are grateful,” said Zungu.
On Sunday, the Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, visited Mzukwa in hospital.
Daily News