Mr Swatton Visit

MR SWATTON RECOVERING IN HOSPITAL

Dr Bandile Mkhize visited Mr Anthony Swatton who is at the Richards Bay Hospital following the Hippo attack in his house more than a week ago. Mr Swanton was attacked by a hippo around 9 pm on 12 July 2012.

According to the report compiled Siboniso Duma: Ezemvelo Marine Officer, Mr Swatton heard the dogs barking and he went out to investigate. He encountered the hippo in a close proximity and it attacked him. It is thought that the Hippo felt threatened as the space available for it to escape was very confined. The Doctors have had to amputate Mr Swatton’s left leg below the knee.

The CEO finally decided to visit Swatton alone following the failure by the MEC of Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, Dr Radebe to accompany him due to urgent Parliamentary engagements. The MEC has indicated that he will visit Anthony within this week, his schedule permitting.

Anthony is sedated as he is still under excruciating pain. During the CEO’s visit, he opened his eyes when the CEO introduced himself to acknowledge the visit. The CEO was with Mr Swatton for around ten minutes and during that time Mr Swatton kept his eyes opened and he closed them when the CEO was leaving.

The nurse who was on duty informed the CEO that Mr Swatton is lucky to have survived the attack and she further pointed out that Mr Swatton has shown a strong will to live. This view is also shared by Mr Swatton’s daughter-in law, Susan. Susan has been very helpful in updating Ezemvelo on the condition of Mr Swatton. When you call her she ends up encouraging you instead of you consoling her. Ezemvelo’s Employee and Wellness Programme members are providing counselling to the family. The organisation has indicated that it will provide necessary support to the family as is the norm.