As many South Africans head to the polls in celebration of their democratic right to vote on the 29th of May, the day also signifies a life-changing incident for cricketer Mondli Khumalo who celebrates life two years on.
Khumalo, who is on the books of Pietermaritzburg side AET Tuskers, was brutally assaulted at a taxi rank in Bristol, England exactly two years ago on 29 May 2022.
That vicious attack left Khumalo fighting for his life in a coma.
The young seam bowler resided in England to represent North Petherton Cricket Club on a short-term contract during the South African domestic off-season.
An unidentified 27-year-old man was arrested for assaulting Khumalo before being later released amid an ongoing criminal inquiry.
Khumalo in the present day, has returned to the same surroundings where he came close to losing his life while playing for the same cricket club.
“One of the reasons I keep coming to this place (Bristol) is that I want an update on the case because nothing has happened after two years,” Khumalo tells Hollywoodbets Sport from England.
“For me, that has been the biggest disappointment because I believe if it was me who attacked that person, I would be in prison by now and my career would be over.”
While starring for Bristol to provide for his family back home in Umlazi as the sole breadwinner, the former junior Proteas cricketer remains uncomfortable spending time outdoors.
“When I’m here I spend most of my time indoors because I’m not comfortable about going out because I still don’t know the person who attacked me,” said Khumalo.
“What if I go out and meet the same guy because he is not in jail?
“What if he wanted to kill me? Because he couldn’t do it then, I fear he might want to do it again. So I spend my days here indoors.”
Khumalo said he only ventures out when necessary in commuting between training or matches, and is accompanied by a member of North Petherton.
The incident has left Khumalo with permanent scars on his skull after undergoing multiple surgeries in a desperate bid to save his life.
“Sometimes, I sit by myself and look back and just feel grateful that I’m still alive, I still play cricket. Because when I look back, I think I could have died.
“Trying to move has not been easy even for my mother, she always calls to check on me.
“Now I still have seizures that happen every now and then.”
While he hopes to still find justice, the 22-year-old cricketer is doing his best to pick up the pieces and follow his passion for the sport.
The bowler made news earlier this year in a CSA 4-Day Series match when he returned the figures of 3/92 against the Warriors.
“For a moment after I was attacked, I thought my career was over but I sometimes pinch myself when I’m on the pitch playing,” Khumalo added.
“It was surreal when I played in the CSA T20 Challenge for the Tuskers and I bowled against some of the Proteas players such as Rassie van der Dussen. I couldn’t believe that was happening.”
Having represented his country in the 2020 U19 Cricket World Cup, Khumalo still dreams of overcoming his many obstacles successfully to reach the greatest heights in the sport.
