A teenager who is believed to have jumped from the rooftop of the Loch Logan Waterfront Mall in Bloemfontein, is on the road to recovery. He is still undergoing treatment at the Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, following successful surgery.
He was admitted on 19 May after miraculously surviving a fall from the rooftop of the shopping centre. He sustained severe injuries in both his legs, his pelvis, and neck.
Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State’s Department of Health, said the teenager was no longer in the intensive care unit (ICU).
“He was transferred two weeks ago from ICU to the Trauma B unit where he is recovering well. The patient is responding well to treatment,” said Mvambi.
Monyatso Mahlatsi, Free State MEC for Health, attributed the patient’s recovery to excellence in medical care.
“The recovery of the patient who had suffered multiple fractures, including severe head injuries, is a demonstration of the high level of excellence in medical care that our public health services can provide. Whilst more work still needs to be done towards full recovery, there is a cause to celebrate this as an ongoing case of extraordinary medical excellence.
“We are working on cementing the foundations of intentional service excellence of our health care system. Each case of exceptional excellence must serve as a contagion towards a seamless influx of excellence throughout the system. Keep it up, Pelonomi hospital, and continue to excel” said Mahlatsi.
The reason behind the jumping incident of the 17-year-old, is still unknown. He was identified as a Gr. 11 learner of Grey College.
Merylin Henning, spokesperson of the mall, explained the teenager accessed the roof, as any member of the public is able to do, by the stairs or lifts. CCTV footage showed him climbing the pyramid wall and jumping off the building.
