Mondli Khumalo ‘in an induced coma, surgeon positive he can recover’

Mondli Khumalo.Mondli Khumalo.

KwaZulu-Natal Inland seamer Mondli Khumalo remained hospitalised on Monday after being attacked in England in the early hours of Sunday morning.

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

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

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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What Avon and Somerset Police said

Avon and Somerset Police said a suspect has been arrested.

“We’re investigating a disorder which happened at a taxi rank in Bridgwater. A 20-year-old man was assaulted during this incident and he’s in hospital undergoing treatment after suffering serious head injuries,” read a statement from Avon and Somerset Police.

“The incident happened at around 3am in the Friarn Street area, and involved a large number of people. A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.”

What Khumalo’s agent said

“Given the circumstances, the doctors and surgeons are as happy as they can be with how the operation went,” Khumalo’s agent, Rob Humphries of World Sport Xchange, told Club Cricket SA.

“Please pray for our man, Mondli, who is in the fight of his life. He is stable, but under sedation, to help him recover as best he can from surgery. We must all be patient and considerate of his family at this time.”

What North Petherton Cricket Club said

“All at North Petherton Cricket Club are in shock at the incident in Bridgwater that has led to our much-loved overseas player Mondli Khumalo being hospitalised in Southmead Hospital in Bristol this morning,” read a statement from the club on Sunday.

“The matter is now being investigated by the Avon and Somerset Police. We extend our heartfelt support to Mondli for a full and speedy recovery.

“Our hearts go out to his family, friends and colleagues in South Africa. Our thanks to those that helped Mondli, especially the health service staff on scene and at hospital.”

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