Support pours in from UK for young SA cricketer who became a victim of crime
Image: Dirk Kotze/Gallo Images
Well-wishers have donated nearly £19,000 (R370,310) to help former Junior Proteas star and KwaZulu-Natal Inland Cricket Union bowler Mondli Khumalo, who was brutally attacked in England at the weekend.
Umlazi-born Khumalo, 20, has had three operations since the attack in Bridgwater, Somerset. The young fast bowler was in the UK after accepting a short-term contract to play for North Petherton Cricket Club in the SA domestic off-season.
A fundraising page launched by Chantelle Lawrence said, “All the funds raised will go to Mondli and his family to be used however they need to.
“Mondli is a much loved member of the North Petherton cricket club were he is playing as their overseas professional. He is the nicest person you will meet.”
“He was a guest in the UK. He deserves everything we can do for him,” said Stephen Hedges.
Several of the crowdfunding campaign's supporters called for his attacker to be jailed.
“What a horrendous thing to happen to a promising young man. I hope the offender is fully prosecuted. Get well soon.” — Alan Quinn
“Wishing you a speedy recovery young man, and I pray the cops get this scumbag(s).” — Rob May
“I hope Mondli makes a speedy recovery and they lock up the coward(s) involved.” — Mark Fleming
According to reports in the UK, a 27-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and has been released under investigation.
KwaZulu-Natal Inland Cricket Union CEO Jason Sathiaseelan told TimesLIVE on Wednesday the SA government had helped fast-track the process of getting Khumalo’s mother Sibongile Ncane Khumalo and an uncle to the UK.
TimesLIVE