Ritual murder survivor, Fortune Khumalo, picks up the pieces

Young Fortune Khumalo (15), one of the country’s best-known ritual-murder survivors, is becoming a big boy. In 2007 he made headlines when he survived the sharp blades of ritual murderers who had cut off his private parts.

About seven years after the ordeal, the brave young boy from Jilongo, outside Malamulele, is more focused, has come to accept himself and is moving on with his life.

He is in Grade 9 at Jilongo High School and has set himself goals, which he says no one will stop him from achieving. He has set his sights on becoming a medical doctor, so that he can assist others, like the doctors who saved his life. “When ritual murderers attempted to take my life, doctors are the ones who put my life back together, and I have come to realize they are very important people in the community. I am going to complete my high school and follow medicine, so that I can pay back what the doctors have done for me by helping my community,” he says.

He is a keen soccer player and plays for Duracel FC, a team participating in the Merwe Junior Soccer League. He has also set his eyes on joining his favourite PSL club when he comes of age. “I hope one day I will be able to join Orlando Pirates. My only problem with my soccer career is that I do not have a tracksuits and soccer boots. If there is anybody out there who can help, I will welcome the assistance with open arms,” he says.

Fortune lost his father, Mr Thomas Khoza, in 2012. His mother, Ms Nancy Khumalo, says her son has developed a strong personality and that he is on his way to full recovery. “He still needs medical care and I have to take him to George Mukhari Hospital for specialist treatment from time to time. My main problem is finances as I have to pay my own transport every time he has to go to there. I also do not have money for provisions for the trip to the hospital,” she says.

The unemployed mother of three says she would appreciate any help as her son still has to undergo further surgery. Those willing to help the young man can phone his mother at 076 904 4091 or 079 054 1718.

Also read: 

25 June 2012 - Artificial penis for ritual attack survivor

Date:20 June 2014

By: Elmon Tshikhudo

Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019.

Read: 5707