Man arrested on ‘suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm’ in Mondli Khumalo attack

Mondli Khumalo.Mondli Khumalo.

Posted By: Editorial May 30, 2022

KwaZulu-Natal Inland seamer Mondli Khumalo remained in an induced coma at Southmead Hospital in Bristol, England, on Monday.

Khumalo was physically assaulted in Bridgwater, Somerset, late last week. He underwent surgery on Sunday and Monday.

“The victim was assaulted near the Green Dragon pub in Friarn Street at around 3am on Sunday, 29 May,” read a statement from Avon and Somerset Police.

“A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. He has been interviewed and released under investigation so we can carry out more enquiries.”

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Full investigation progressing

Khumalo is currently the overseas professional at North Petherton Cricket Club, who compete in the West of England Premier Cricket League.

Superintendent Richard Turner added: “”We’re investigating a serious assault on 20-year-old Mondli Khumalo, who remains in a serious but stable condition in hospital after undergoing emergency treatment.

“Mondli is a South African national who has been staying in the North Petherton area to play cricket for the local club. We’re taking steps to ensure Mondli’s family in South Africa are being kept fully updated on his condition, as well as how our investigation is progressing.

“A full investigation is under way and we’ve carried out house-to-house enquiries and are continuing to review CCTV footage from around the area, to ensure we gather all available evidence.

“We know there were a large number of people in the area at the time, and we’d appeal for any eyewitnesses to come forward, especially if anyone has mobile phone footage showing any part of this incident.”

What KZN Inland CEO Jason Sathiaseelan said

Khumalo is contracted by KwaZulu-Natal Inland. He was capped four times at first-class level during division two of the 2021-22 4-Day Domestic Series in South Africa.

“We have learned with sadness of the incident involving Mondli Khumalo this weekend. Mondli is in a serious condition at Southmead Hospital in Bristol,” Sathiaseelan told Club Cricket SA on Monday.

“He had surgery yesterday and the surgeon has reported that the operation was as successful as it could be. Mondli is in an induced coma, but the surgeon is positive that he can recover from this.

“We have been in contact with Mondli’s mom and we are doing our level best to obtain a passport for her, so that she can be with Mondli during this trying time.

“This incident is, indeed, sad and we ask all to keep Mondli in their prayers. As a union we are doing our utmost to get family members over to the United Kingdom as soon as possible.”

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