×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Fumani does not remember accident

FUMANI Mushwana returned to school when schools reopened in April.

Fumani, 17, had been away since March 8 when he was injured in the accident that left four other schoolboys dead.

He was discharged from Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital on March 24. He had an operation in the chest and leg and for a while he breathed through a tube tracheostomy.

In an interview at his parents' home in Protea Glen, Soweto, this week, Fumani said he could not remember much about the accident.

I asked how he was coping.

"I can deal with it," said the teenager. "I do some toe exercises because the toes on my right foot are bent. When it gets cold the operation on my stomach becomes painful.

"I used to play soccer but I am now retired," Fumani joked.

"I had to find myself when I woke up from the coma. I was asking myself 'what am I doing here'. But my parents were by my side.

"I still cannot remember being hit by the cars. But I am not angry. But sometimes I do ask myself 'why us'. When I see a car coming in my direction at high speed, I do get a bit nervous.

"Otherwise, I'm fine. It was tough for the first week at school but it is now great.

"Everyone wanted to know 'who is this Fumani'. I was a bit of a celeb," smiled Fumani.

"My friends insisted that we start using transport that fetches us from home to school and back because they get flashbacks when they cross the bridge where the accidenthappened.

"Some hold my hand when they see a car coming," said Fumani. "I'll be okay. I just try to do everything right, not to be reckless."

Fumani has written mid-year exams and is confident he has done well.

He misses those who were killed - Prince Mohube, 17, Phumelelo Masemola, 16, Mlungisi Cwaya, 19, and Andile Mthombeni, 16.

Hip-hop star Molemo "Jub Jub" Maarohanye and his friend Themba Tshabalala are back in the Protea magistrate's court today charged with four counts of murder, two counts of attempted murder, one count of reckless and negligent driving and one of driving under the influence of liquor.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.