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Mkhululi Ncube , Chronicle Reporter
THE family of a 16-year-old girl from Nkayi district in Matabeleland North Province whose leg was amputated following a snake bite is appealing for US$1 500 to buy an artificial leg, which would enable her to continue with her education.
Nomabutho Ncube from Tsheli Village who is a Form Two pupil at a local secondary school was bitten by a snake when she was in Grade Four.
When the incident occurred, Nomabutho was in the company of her grandmother and neighbours and they were on their way to collect her sports kit at a local business centre which had been sent from Bulawayo.
Her grandmother Mrs Selina Ncube said the incident changed her granddaughter’s life as she had to be amputated.
“She loves sports and had asked a relative to buy her sports attire, which she wanted to wear during an athletic competition the following day.
Unfortunately, on that particular day, the bus came at around 9PM, and we had walk to the business centre to collect the sportswear,” she said.
Mrs Ncube said along the way, Nomabutho stepped on a snake and it bit her.
The following morning we took her to Cana Mission Hospital before she was transferred to Gokwe District Hospital and later Gweru Provincial Hospital where she was amputated.”
Mrs Ncube said after her amputation the family has been struggling to get a wheelchair or crutches.
She said the girl’s first crutches were donated to her by a neighbour.
“Minister Sithembiso Nyoni also donated some crutches long back but she is no longer using them because they are now old,” said Mrs Ncube.
She said they were appealing for money to buy an artificial leg so that she can be able to walk without any challenges.
“I am the one taking care of her but I cannot afford the artificial leg hence my appeal for help,” said Mrs Ncube.
Bulawayo-based orthotics and prosthetics technician Mr Noordeen Cassim said the artificial leg will greatly improve the girl’s condition as she was amputated below the knee.
“Once she gets the artificial leg she will experience a huge difference. The limb costs around US$1 500,” he said.
Those willing to help may contact the family on +263717922502 or +263775540843.”–@themkhust
Online Reporter