Desperate for a miracle

A Pretoria family flew into Gqeberha late on Monday, only to be met with the heart-wrenching sight of young Nelson Mandela University (NMU) student Lesedi Manala hooked up to machines, fighting for her life.

The 23-year-old, a promising fifth-year IT student, was placed on life support after being one of the youths affected by an accident in which a taxi careened into a crowd outside the Summerstrand campus during the early hours of Sunday.

One person was killed and at least 10 others, including Manala, were injured.

Manala’s family prayed while they waited for updates at Livingstone Hospital on Monday night. 

NMU management had collected the family from the airport on Monday afternoon and taken them to the hospital.

The family said they were now holding on to the hope that the bright, larger-than-life young woman would keep fighting.

When the reporter left the hospital late on Monday, the family had also been sent home to their temporary residence in Summerstrand and advised to return the next morning for further updates from medical staff.

Dozens more members of the NMU fraternity also arrived at Livingstone in support of Manala and her family.

Manala was severely injured when a taxi crashed into the group of students who had been enjoying a first-year welcoming party.

Police spokesperson Captain Andre Beetge said the incident occurred at NMU’s Summerstrand campus in Protea Road.

“It is alleged that a speeding taxi, a Toyota Quantum, drove into the crowd, killing a 22-year-old male student and injuring 10 others,” Beetge said.

“Of the 10 injured [students] transported to hospital, two were in a critical condition, six were in a serious condition, and two were reported to have minor injuries.

“The driver, a 24-year-old man, was arrested, and the vehicle impounded for further investigation.”

Beetge said a case of culpable homicide, reckless and negligent driving, and driving under the influence was being investigated by the Humewood police.

The police have not yet released the name of the suspect.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere inside the hospital was heavy with grief as the group of fellow students struggled to find the words to describe the horror that had unfolded on Sunday morning.

Despite the sadness, the students stood together in solidarity, all silently praying for their friend and peer.

“We just want her [Manala] to get better,” one student said.

The taxi driver, who is expected to appear in the Gqeberha magistrate’s court on Tuesday, remains in police custody. 

The crash occurred just after the Freshers’ Carnival and claimed the life of NMU student Olwam Tima.

Tima’s family could not be reached for comment.

The Manala family, however, said they were still struggling to comprehend the magnitude of the tragedy.

Family member Cynthia Manala earlier in the day described Lesedi Manala as a brilliant and vibrant young woman.

“We are struggling to come to terms with this, but we’re still hoping for a miracle.”

Late on Monday night, health spokesperson Siyanda Manana said hospital staff were working to give her a chance at survival.

The crash, which sent shock waves through the university community, is not the first tragedy to hit NMU in recent days.

Another NMU student was fatally stabbed late last week in an unrelated incident in the city, though police have yet to confirm the details.

Details of the incident  are still sketchy at this stage.

University spokesperson Zandile Ngwendu extended the institution’s condolences to the family of the fatally stabbed student.

She also reiterated the university’s commitment to supporting those affected by both tragedies.

“Our deepest and most heartfelt condolences go out to the [deceased] students’ family, friends and loved ones,” she said.

“Counselling and other psychosocial support has been availed to students and staff affected by [both] tragedies.

“The past few days have been extremely difficult and saddening for the university, and we mourn those we have lost in this time.

“We trust that the law will run its course and that justice will prevail.”

Eyewitnesses previously described the terrifying scene of the crash.

One woman, who did not want to be named, recalled hearing the engine revving and tyres screeching in the lead-up to the carnage.

“People started screaming and running, but the taxi just kept coming, hitting students left and right. It was chaos,” she said on Sunday night.

Another witness described the scene as terrifying, with some students rushing to help the injured while others shouted at the driver.

“The police arrived quickly but it was too late for some.”

DA Students Organisation constituency leader Baxolile Nodada said their representatives were present at the hospital on Monday night to show support for Manala.

“We stand with her family in this difficult time, and our thoughts and prayers are with her as she continues to fight for her life,” she said.

“We also mourn the tragic loss of Olwam, who lost his life in the crash.

“His memory will stay with us, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his loved ones.

“To the other students who were injured, including one who is stable but recovering from a broken nose and several other injuries, we wish them a speedy recovery.

“This incident has shaken our community and we are calling for justice.

“The lives of our fellow students must be respected and we will continue to advocate for accountability.

“The safety and wellbeing of every student at NMU must remain a priority.

“Our support will remain unwavering as we navigate through this heartbreaking time together.”

A memorial service will be held later this week. 

The Herald