Wedela shooting survivor secures surgery after family pays R16,000 deposit

An 18-year-old pupil wounded in the deadly Wedela mass shooting is a step closer to receiving surgery after his mother borrowed R16,000 to help cover his hospital costs.

Katleho Malefane, a Grade 10 learner, was shot in the thigh while standing at the gate of his family home on 26 September. The property is reportedly about two metres from the tavern where gunmen opened fire, killing 18 people and injuring 15 others.

The teenager also suffered a serious knee injury that requires surgery. His family was told that a hospital bill of R28,000 needed to be addressed, prompting an appeal for financial assistance.

His mother, Molebogeng Malefane, said securing the deposit had brought her some relief after days of worrying about whether her son would receive the treatment he needed.

“Since I paid the deposit, I feel so relieved as next Tuesday we will get the assistance,” she said. “I was unable to sleep at night thinking that he was not going to get help.”

Family struggles to cover treatment costs

Malefane was initially admitted to Leratong Regional Hospital on the West Rand after the shooting. He was later referred to Carletonville District Hospital, according to the Gauteng Department of Health.

The family has faced additional financial pressure because Malefane is a national of Lesotho and was required to raise money towards his treatment.

Bongani Mkwananzi, spokesperson for ZimCommunitySA, has appealed to members of the public, humanitarian organisations and other groups to help the family cover the outstanding costs.

Mkwananzi said the appeal was intended to draw attention to the challenges faced by vulnerable patients seeking medical care, rather than to condemn a particular healthcare institution.

He stressed that access to emergency healthcare and the protection of human dignity should remain central to the response, regardless of a patient’s immigration status.

Gauteng health department responds

The Gauteng Department of Health said Malefane had received medical attention at Leratong Regional Hospital, where he was assessed and stabilised before being referred to Carletonville District Hospital.

Department spokesperson Steve Mabona said emergency patients could not be refused treatment on the basis of nationality, immigration status, race, gender or their ability to pay.

He added that healthcare professionals were required to provide clinically appropriate treatment and stabilise patients according to their medical needs.

Mabona said the referral was based on the level of care required and should not be interpreted as a refusal to treat the teenager.

The department also acknowledged the hospital account, explaining that patients classified as full-paying are billed in accordance with the applicable regulations and uniform patient fee schedule.

“He will continue to receive necessary medical care, irrespective of the outstanding account,” Mabona said.

Questions over access to care remain

The case has raised concerns about the financial difficulties families can face when an injured relative needs specialised treatment, particularly when they are already dealing with the aftermath of a violent incident.

Although Malefane’s family has managed to pay the R16,000 deposit, the reported R28,000 bill highlights the financial strain involved in securing his treatment.

For his mother, the payment has brought some reassurance after the uncertainty surrounding her son’s recovery. The family and supporters are continuing to seek assistance as he prepares for the next stage of his medical care.

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Source: The Citizen