Teenager Admitted for Stomach Pain, But Doctors Perform Limb Amputation Instead

Durban – Mhlengi Duma, a 17-year-old, was admitted to Victoria Mxenge Hospital in eThekwini, KwaZulu-Natal, for the removal of an infected appendix. However, surgeons unexpectedly amputated portions of his hands and legs instead.

This incident took place four years ago, yet the case remains unresolved, as the hospital, previously known as King Edward, staunchly denies any negligence on the part of its staff that led to the amputations.

Originally from Lindelani D Township Section in eThekwini, Mhlengi, who has since relocated to Pietermaritzburg, asserts that the hospital’s treatment inflicted irreversible harm that has disrupted his life.

The teenager shared his heartrending story with The Bulrushes while still coping with the consequences of his ordeal.

Sitting on the couch underscored the gravity of his amputations; his legs, lacking feet, hung several centimeters above the ground, and his arms terminated without hands.

Reflecting on the traumatic events that led to his multiple amputations, Mhlengi recounted being diagnosed with an appendix issue upon his admission.

However, the medication prescribed adversely affected his veins, which turned blue and eventually developed blisters.

“I was recovering and placed in high care, but my limbs developed blisters,” lamented the distressed teenager.

“On my left hand, the blister burst, and flies were attracted to the wound. When I alerted the nurses, they reassured me that the flies were harmless and that the wound needed air.”

Mhlengi pointed out that only after a doctor intervened were the nurses instructed to cover his wound.

Two days later, during a dressing change, the wound was discovered to be infested with maggots.

“They had consumed nearly everything, including the bone,” Mhlengi recalled.

Doctors recommended several partial amputations to save his life. Although hesitant, Mhlengi’s mother was persuaded to sign the consent forms for the surgeries to proceed.

“I only wanted my left hand amputated because the maggots were consuming me, but I woke up to find all my limbs gone,” he shared.

Mhlengi’s heartbroken mother, Nqobile Duma, who lives modestly, struggled to hold back tears as she recounted her son’s life-altering tragedy.

“I am deeply pained by how this situation has unfolded,” Duma expressed.

“My son was only 13 when he entered High Care at Victoria Mxenge Hospital. I never expected him to undergo amputations; we initially sought treatment for stomach issues.”

Duma also criticized the manner in which doctors handled the situation.

When her son experienced severe pain, she recalled the doctors suggesting, “If you believe in anything, perhaps ancestors, you should pray, as the situation is dire.”

Years later, with her son continuing to face challenges, Duma revealed to The Bulrushes that the case remains unsettled.

Although the hospital’s spokesperson did not respond to The Bulrushes’ inquiries, Dr. Sandile Shabalala, Head of the Department of Health, previously commented on the matter.

Dr. Shabalala stated during an interview that “worse could have happened” to the patient, insisting that the doctors were not at fault.

Frustrated by the lack of satisfactory responses from the hospital, Duma pursued justice through the courts.

In 2023, the case was scheduled for pre-trial proceedings, but state lawyers failed to appear on the designated date.

The court subsequently rescheduled the case.

The pre-trial was finally conducted on 10 June 2024.

Duma mentioned that since the hospital contested her claim of negligence regarding her son’s amputations, the court mandated a medical examination.

She is now awaiting a new court date.

The grieving mother finds herself at a crossroads, seeking justice from what she views as a negligent hospital unwilling to take responsibility for their actions.

Her anguish deepened as she shared a picture of Mhlengi from before he entered the hospital all those years ago.