…As boy’s tragedy becomes a prism magnifying the RFP’s fault lines

—with Moorosi and Lephema presenting a united front

Rethabile Pitso

DONORS from all walks of life have raised more than M1.3 million to support 12-year-old dog attack victim Nnete Leotlela, as his medical costs continue to soar while he undergoes complex facial reconstruction surgery in South Africa.

The remarkable outpouring of generosity comes as Nnete’s treatment bill at MediClinic in Bloemfontein has already climbed to M684 262.14, according to an account dated 24 July, with several reconstructive procedures and months of rehabilitation still ahead.

The boy’s horrific ordeal has also become a prism magnifying the ruling Revolution for Prosperity (RFP)’s deepening factional battles, with party secretary general Nthati Moorosi and founding member Lebona Lephema’s joint hospital visit to see Nnete widely interpreted as a show of political solidarity and stratagem in the race to shape the RFP’s future (see story below).

Nnete was transferred from Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital (QMMH) after he was mauled by five German Shepherds at the Ha Matala home of former Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) commissioner Tšoeu Petlane on 6 July.

Despite the escalating medical costs, the nationwide fundraising campaign has surpassed M1.3 million, easing some of the financial burden on the family as doctors continue the painstaking process of rebuilding the boy’s face and skull.

Nnete, who spent nearly two weeks on life support in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), is now able to utter a few words despite having lost a significant portion of his lower lip. Doctors have begun the first stages of reconstructing his skull.

His scalp remains covered with protective surgical dressing connected to a drainage tube used to prevent infection, while he is currently restricted to a liquid diet.

His mother, Lineo Ramantsoe, said the improvement in his condition had been significant.

“Most of the challenges he has been facing have been greatly dealt with. He is no longer experiencing frequent panic attacks as before. The pain he used to feel has greatly alleviated.

“He is under constant surveillance from a number of specialists, including a psychotherapist, to ensure his consciousness is clear from the trauma.”

She also described the overwhelming support the family has received since the attack.

“I have now confirmed that Nnete was chosen by the heavens. I have also confirmed that he was chosen by the earth as demonstrated by the love that has poured in from Basotho and South Africans who have received us here at the hospital.

“He told me to tell you that he loves you back. And just to make you smile a little bit, Nnete told his doctors to go on YouTube and Google his name just so they know who he is.

“I can’t say for sure if I know who Nnete is myself, but I am sure God will reveal that to me very soon.”

Extensive injuries

Medical records show that Nnete was admitted to MediClinic on 7 July after sustaining devastating injuries during the attack.

Doctors diagnosed fractures of the cheekbone and upper jaw, extensive open wounds to the scalp, ears and forearm, a collapsed lung, respiratory failure, anaemia and dangerously elevated potassium levels.

He spent 12 days in the ICU before being transferred to the High Care Unit for a further four days.

During the critical phase of his treatment, he required mechanical ventilation from 7 to 18 July while doctors stabilised his respiratory system. He also received oxygen therapy, intravenous medication, blood monitoring, nutritional support through a feeding tube and intensive physiotherapy.

Surgeons have already performed three major operations.

The first, on 8 July, involved painstaking reconstruction of multiple facial, scalp, ear and limb wounds.

A second operation on 12 July included extensive surgical removal of damaged skin, muscle and bone before doctors applied vacuum-assisted wound therapy to promote healing.

He returned to theatre again on 18 July for further debridement covering more than 300 square centimetres of damaged tissue, followed by another round of negative-pressure wound therapy.

Throughout his hospitalisation, he has received pain management, specialised wound care, physiotherapy, nutritional rehabilitation and a precautionary rabies vaccination.

Although his vital signs have now stabilised, doctors say he still requires ongoing wound care, reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation.

Community generosity

The countrywide fundraising campaign for Nnete has so far generated approximately M1.3 million.

Among the recent contributors is the RFP, which pledged M150 000, Maluti Mountain Cement (M75 000), Boiketlo ba Basali (M50 000), Lineo Nare (M50 000), Lakeview Guest House (M25 000), Moshoeshoe Walk and Thaba Bosiu Cultural Village (M20 000), Youth to Youth Community Group (M5000) and an anonymous donor who contributed M24 500.

The Petlanes have also reportedly made a financial contribution of M100 000.

Generous donors had also raised M810 327 through M-Pesa, EcoCash, BackaBuddy and Lesotho PostBank account.

Speaking after yesterday’s hospital visit, Ms Moorosi described the nationwide support as extraordinary.

“We have been informed by Nnete’s mother that there has been huge support from Basotho as well as other people from all walks of life, bringing together people for one cause — overseeing a child’s healing.

“It really can only be God. Nnete is such a bright boy with a brilliant future ahead and we are grateful to each and every person who contributed towards this noble cause.”

She also expressed delight at the boy’s recovery.

“I am happy to have witnessed such a miraculous recovery. He is a vibrant young man with big dreams of becoming a zoologist.”

Dream of protecting others

Despite enduring unimaginable pain, Nnete has already begun talking about his future.

According to visitors, he told them he wants to become a zoologist, hoping one day to help protect people from dangerous animal attacks.

Mr Lephema said the youngster’s optimism had left a lasting impression.

“We have a very strong young man recovering in there and that is such an impressive trait with all things considered.

“When I jokingly told him he was going to be our future Prime Minister, he flat out refused, telling us that he had plans to become a zoologist instead.”

Mr Lephema said he had also promised to organise and pay for Nnete’s close friends to visit him in hospital.

“I asked him the names of his friends and I promised that I would organise for them to come and visit him. Their transport and meals will be taken care of by me.”

He also urged the Petlanes to take greater responsibility.

“I wish to tell the dog owner to do something. He must reinforce his place to guard against any more of these incidents happening.

“He shouldn’t be failing to keep his dogs under control, especially when we have learnt that Nnete’s case was not the first time a child was attacked by his dogs.”

Meanwhile, the family confirmed that discussions with the Petlane family have continued.

“There has been engagement with the Petlane family where updates have since been shared,” Ms Ramantsoe said.

“The Petlanes have made a contribution which I prefer not to disclose at this point and we have engaged them on some updates during the process. I however do not wish to disclose more about that interaction.”