By Lehlohonolo Lehana
The chairperson of the SA Medical Association, Mvuyisi Mzukwa, was stabbed multiple times in an attack while driving home from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport at the weekend.
Mzukwa drove himself to hospital after the attack, deputy health minister Sibongiseni Dhlomo said.
He was on his way from a SAMA Board Meeting on Saturday, 20 August 2022.
Dhlomo visited Mzukwa in hospital in Durban on Sunday, saying he is recovering well.
“I was very heartened to find him on his recovery bed and commended him for his heroic action of driving himself while bleeding and in pain to the nearest hospital to save his life because had he waited a bit longer, his condition could have deteriorated,” said Dhlomo.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister also thanked the emergency medical services, nursing staff and police for their swift response.
In addition, the department said it was working with provinces to ensure the shortest response time by Emergency Medical Services personnel through capacity and resource allocation.
According to SAMA, the Chairperson sustained multiple stab wounds to his chest.
“He was discovered by the Metro Police and assisted to reach the emergency department at a nearby hospital. He is currently stable and is recovering at an intensive care unit.”
The association has since raised concern about the high levels of crime in the country, with the latest statistics showing an increase in hijackings compared to 2021.
“SAMA denounces this increase in crime. This latest attack shows that no one is spared from this scourge. SAMA calls on the South African Police Service to increase vigilance and protect its citizens.”