The streets of Gqeberha are still alive with celebration after the Springboks’ victory — but amid the jubilation, one family finds itself grappling with unexpected heartbreak after a tragedy at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
A birthday celebration between a grandfather and his young granddaughter turned tragic when the 81-year-old man was reportedly left brain-dead after being accidentally struck to the ground, allegedly by a rugby supporter who had been clashing with the police.
The incident occurred when thousands of fans rushed to leave the stadium after the Springboks beat Italy on Saturday.
Relay Emergency Medical Services was alerted to the incident and took John Keevy to Life St George’s Hospital.
He was with his 12-year-old granddaughter at the time.
The man’s daughter had bought tickets for her father and the girl to celebrate her birthday.
Keevy owns Keevy Auctions in Walmer.
According to the family, the two had waited behind after the match to avoid the 46,000-strong crowd.
They were heading towards Gate 10 when the incident occurred.
According to his family, the police had been trying to detain a man who reportedly appeared intoxicated and attempted to flee.
The man, according to witnesses, then accidentally knocked Keevy to the ground, where he hit his head.
When Keevy collapsed, he appeared to suffer a seizure.
Other rugby fans stepped in to assist until paramedics arrived and took over.
Keevy’s daughter, Jacky Versluis, said no-one in authority had contacted the family since the incident.
“My father is now brain-dead after that incident.
“We are waiting for any news from the hospital.
“It is heartbreaking that a man who was so involved in his community, was a leader of a cell group at the Walmer Methodist Church, and cared for homeless people, is suffering,” she said.
“My father owned a business and was living independently despite his age, and he was quite active.
“We did not expect something this traumatic to happen.”
Versluis said they were grateful to Relay Emergency Medical Services for taking care of her father and daughter.
“We are not looking to have anyone arrested but would like for the police to have control over drunk people because a lot were under the influence, and that’s why [alleged] incidents like these happen.”
Relay spokesperson Elton Smith confirmed that it had responded to the incident.
“Our paramedics were on the scene.
“I cannot say much about his condition at the moment, but I can reveal that we were alerted to a man who had sustained head injuries at the stadium.
“We attended to him on the scene but had to quickly convey him to St George’s Hospital for further medical care.
“He is still in the hospital.”
The stadium is managed by the Mandela Bay Development Agency (MBDA).
MBDA spokesperson Nicole Klokow said it had not been informed of the incident.
“The MBDA had not previously been made aware of this matter before your correspondence.
“This must be a difficult time for Keevy’s family, and our thoughts are with them.
“If the incident is being investigated by law enforcement, any further queries would be more appropriately directed to the police, and we would not be in a position to intervene.”
Police spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse van Rensburg said obtaining information about the incident was proving to be a challenge because many officers had been deployed to the stadium.
Walmer Methodist Church minister Audrey van Wyk described Keevy as a man who was deeply involved in many aspects of church life and dearly loved by the congregation.
“John has an incredible heart for homeless and marginalised people.
“He is very compassionate and would make sandwiches for those in need.”
Van Wyk said the church was devastated by the news of his injury, and the congregation was keeping him and his family in their prayers.
“This happened very suddenly.
“It is unimaginable that something like this can happen and have such an effect on someone’s life.
“I can’t even put it into words.”
Meanwhile, cellphones were stolen from rugby fans on match day, while 12 people were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol.
Several traffic lights were also knocked down by motorists.
Janse van Rensburg said several cases related to robberies and other crimes were reported during the match.
“Cases related to robbery, theft out of motor vehicles and the theft of cellphones were registered and are under investigation,” Janse van Rensburg said.
“People were also arrested on charges of drunk driving, but it is not confirmed if these people were attending the event at the stadium.”
Municipal spokesperson Sithembiso Soyaya said the metro was aware of reports of stolen cellphones, but the exact number had not yet been confirmed.
“While we have noted the widespread speculation regarding the number of stolen devices, official statistics should be obtained directly from the police.
“As for damaged traffic lights, the municipality is aware of a few traffic signals that were affected.
“However, our traffic and infrastructure teams responded swiftly, and traffic control was deployed at all critical intersections to ensure minimal disruption.
“A total of 12 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence during our co-ordinated operations on match day.
“Law enforcement remained highly visible throughout the precinct.”
Soyaya said from the metro’s point of view, operations at the stadium had run smoothly with no major incidents reported in the outer perimeter of the stadium.
Regarding the injury sustained by Keevy, Soyaya said the municipality had not yet received any official confirmation of a serious incident or of anyone having been admitted to hospital.
The Herald
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