Cape Town – A seven-year-old boy is fighting for his life after being mauled by a crocodile at Emanzini Fishing Resort near Roodekopjes Dam in Free State on Friday, 21 March.
Johandré Blom was severely injured and is currently in critical condition in the ICU, placed in an induced coma by doctors.
He was playing in shallow water with a friend, Dylan Bekker, just metres from where their fathers were fishing, when the crocodile struck and dragged him away. His friend screamed and attempted to pull him back as the attack unfolded.
“It was a monster of a crocodile. After Johandré was saved, a young man went out in a boat to see if he could find the arm, and the crocodile went for the boat. We went to see the owner of the resort and advised that the crocodile be shot. This must not happen again. It was horrendous,” said Jannie Bekker, Dylan’s father, according to Kormorant.
Johandré received initial treatment at Mediclinic Brits before being airlifted by emergency helicopter to a hospital in Alberton for specialised medical care.
“He is stable but they are keeping him in an induced coma until Monday,” Bekker said.
Johandré’s family has since launched a BackaBuddy campaign to raise R1 million for his medical expenses, including multiple urgent surgeries.
The story has drawn widespread attention online, with R54,000 raised so far, but much more is needed.
The family is appealing for donations, saying any contribution will help cover Johandré’s medical costs.
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Picture: Facebook/Cammy Odendaal
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Compiled by Lisabeal Nqamqhele
