Assaulted boy still unable to speak, eight months later
Goitsemodimo Kaelo | Wednesday February 8, 2017 17:18
ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialist doctor, Kagelelo Difela was testifying in a case in which Molla is accused of viciously assaulting Ditiro Jerry in Mogoditshane, until he went into a coma that lasted from June till December last year.
Molla allegedly flew into a rage upon seeing Jerry playing with his child. Difela told Broadhurst Magistrate Faith Ngandu that the boy was “generally stable” under the care of his parents, but is still unable to communicate verbally. He said that unless another tracheotomy is performed and a specialised tube with a hole that will allow air to pass is inserted, the victim would be unable to verbalise.
“My opinion is he is generally stable because he is not in ICU, but he is breathing through a tube. It might be for some time or permanent because of the narrowing below the voice box and the lungs.
“He can go to school, but he will need specialised attention. He won’t verbalise unless we put a special tube that will allow him to do so,” said Difela. Furthermore, the doctor pointed out that he is not certain whether the special tube if used, will not affect his breathing. He further explained that the boy’s inability to speak is not because of the injuries sustained but rather the tube that is currently used to assist him breathe.
The case hogged the headlines as the boy fought for his life in local and South African hospitals, spending most of the time on life support. Jerry is now with his parents, but on assisted breathing, through a tube after being discharged in December 2016.
The prosecution did not oppose the bail application by the accused’s defence counsel. However, the accused’s remand warrant was extended after it emerged that his residence permit had expired. Magistrate Ngandu said that the court was unable to deal with his bail application as he had no cover of stay in Botswana.
“I can’t grant him bail while he does not have cover of stay in Botswana. Once I release him he will be considered an illegal immigrant,” she said.
She ordered that his attorney should assist him to renew his permit so that his bail application could be dealt with.
The accused has been in custody since he was arrested in July 2016 as the court waits for the boy’s condition to improve. The case continues on February 20, 2017 when they will be dealing with the bail application.