TSHEPO Seboko triumphantly rolled his wheelchair out of the Protea magistrate's court in Soweto yesterday.
This because Melusi Manganyi, the man who put him in the wheelchair, was found guilty of attempted murder.
Seboko has been coming to the court for more than two years since Manganyi shot and robbed him in Protea Glen, Soweto, in 2007.
Delivering his judgment magistrate, David Mhango, said Manganyi's defence was fabricated and far from the truth.
He found him guilty of attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances and possession of an unlicensed firearm and ammunition.
Seboko told Sowetan afterwards he was happy with the judgment though it had taken a long time.
"I will finally get closure. It does not bring back what I have lost but it is a relief to know that the person who did this to me will finally be put away," he said.
He said because the trial took so long to be finalised, he had lived in constant fear that Manganyi would get out.
The magistrate said that since Seboko had pointed out Manganyi in less that 40 seconds in an identity parade, this had strengthened the evidence that he knew him.
Seboko has not allowed his disability to change his life. Last year he was honoured for being the outstanding youth living with a disability at the Disability Indaba.
Outside the court, Manganyi's uncle, Sphiwe Fakude, vowed to challenge the court's decision.
"We will let them finish, then we will appeal. He (Manganyi) told me he did not do it. Police must find the real attacker," he said.
Seboko's aunt, Joyleen Mahanetsa, said the family was happy about the court's verdict.
Manganyi will be sentenced on November 4.