Hit-and-run victim and champion boxer Simphiwe “V12” Vetyeka was visited in Frere Hospital yesterday by an emotional sport, recreation, arts and culture MEC, Pemmy Majodina, who called the driver who smashed into him, a criminal.
Majodina wished the WBO Africa lightweight champion a speedy recovery.
Vetyeka, 37, was hit by a car in Amalinda on Saturday morning and immediately rushed to hospital.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Vetyeka told the Dispatch that both of his legs were broken, one of them in three places.
An emotional Majodina gave words of encouragement to the champion, who was visibly in pain.
“It is heartbreaking to see such a promising young boxer involved in such an accident.
“The people who did this are criminals!” said Majodina.
Majodina, who was accompanied by an entourage, urged Vetyeka’s supporters not to “flock” to the hospital and to give the doctors time to proceed with the recovery process.
“It is still early days to determine the extent of the damage. Let’s allow doctors to do their work,” she said.
Vetyeka said he felt encouraged by the MEC’s words and visit and said he did not want to rule out the possibility of returning to the boxing ring next year.
“I am very happy with her visit, which shows that she cares,” said the champion.
The seasoned Mdantsane-born fighter and three-time world champion was scheduled to fight at the annual Madiba birthday celebration boxing tournament in July this year.
“I do not want to get ahead of myself at the moment.
“I am still focusing on my recovery,” said Vetyeka.
Majodina said the fact that the boxer could move his legs was “a good sign”.
The hit-and-run driver hospitalised the champion two weeks after Vetyeka knocked out Limpopo-born Thompson Mokwana in the eighth round to lift the WBO Africa lightweight title at East London’s Orient Theatre.
Police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi said no arrests had been made but police were investigating the case. — mandilakhek@dispatch.co.za
MEC visits injured boxing champion
Majodina wished the WBO Africa lightweight champion a speedy recovery.
Vetyeka, 37, was hit by a car in Amalinda on Saturday morning and immediately rushed to hospital.
Speaking from his hospital bed, Vetyeka told the Dispatch that both of his legs were broken, one of them in three places.
An emotional Majodina gave words of encouragement to the champion, who was visibly in pain.
“It is heartbreaking to see such a promising young boxer involved in such an accident.
“The people who did this are criminals!” said Majodina.
Majodina, who was accompanied by an entourage, urged Vetyeka’s supporters not to “flock” to the hospital and to give the doctors time to proceed with the recovery process.
“It is still early days to determine the extent of the damage. Let’s allow doctors to do their work,” she said.
Vetyeka said he felt encouraged by the MEC’s words and visit and said he did not want to rule out the possibility of returning to the boxing ring next year.
“I am very happy with her visit, which shows that she cares,” said the champion.
The seasoned Mdantsane-born fighter and three-time world champion was scheduled to fight at the annual Madiba birthday celebration boxing tournament in July this year.
“I do not want to get ahead of myself at the moment.
“I am still focusing on my recovery,” said Vetyeka.
Majodina said the fact that the boxer could move his legs was “a good sign”.
The hit-and-run driver hospitalised the champion two weeks after Vetyeka knocked out Limpopo-born Thompson Mokwana in the eighth round to lift the WBO Africa lightweight title at East London’s Orient Theatre.
Police spokesman Captain Mluleki Mbi said no arrests had been made but police were investigating the case. — mandilakhek@dispatch.co.za
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