Cape Town - A teenager from Valhalla Park is on the road to recovery after being struck by a stray bullet in the face resulting in paralysis.
The family of Andrea Fredericks, 14, said she recently underwent surgery at an undisclosed hospital to help her speak after the bullet ripped through her mouth and spinal cord.
The Grade 7 pupil from Parkfields Primary School was injured during a gang shooting on August 17 while walking near her home in 8th Avenue.
At the time, relatives said she had been sent to fetch a younger child in her family when the gunshots rang out.
She collapsed in the street and was rushed to Elsies River Day Hospital by worried residents. The next day they were told she had been paralysed.
A relative, who asked not to be named for safety concerns, said Fredericks went for surgery last week.
“They operated on her on Thursday to insert a pipe in her throat so she could speak. She is conscious and understands what we are saying to her but cannot speak yet.
“She nods and smiles and she knows we are there for her. They told us that she is healing but she still cannot feel her legs so she may be completely paralysed and her one hand is swollen. We are praying for a full recovery and don’t know anything about the case.”
Police spokesperson Anelisiwe Manyana said no arrests had been made. “Bishop Lavis police registered an attempted murder case following an incident on August 17 where a 14-year-old girl was shot and injured.
“According to reports, the members attended to a shooting complaint at a hospital. Upon arrival they were informed by the victim’s aunt that she found her with gunshot wounds sustained to her body.
“The motive behind this shooting is unknown at this stage. The unknown suspects fled the scene and are yet to be arrested,” said Manyana.
Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call Crime Stop on 08600 10111.
Cape Argus