‘I’m the same man, just without eyes’
Blinded Namibian driver not giving up on life
Speaking publicly for the first time since the shocking attack in Johannesburg that left him blind, Sem Shilongo has not lost hope.
Semfried 'Sem' Shilongo has opened up about a devastating shooting in Johannesburg, South Africa, that left him blind.“Life must go on,” he said.
In between crying and talking to our sister publication, Namibian Sun, on Tuesday at the Windhoek Central Hospital where he is hospitalised, Shilongo said he is in no rush to start his new life in which he will never be able to see again. "Thank God I’m alive. I’m the same person, just without eyes.
"It has not been easy for me at all, but I have to accept this situation that I'm in. As a man with a family that depends on me, I need to move on from this," he said through tears.
Shilongo, who was the breadwinner of his family, said his condition has improved over the last week and he feels as though not much has changed.
"As God said, there's a beginning and an end. With those words, I've learnt to forgive and move on. I'm healing and that's all that matters," he said.
A bullet’s devastation
Earlier this month, Shilongo was shot through the far side of his left eye. The bullet went straight through his nasal bone and out his right eye, which was still swollen shut at the time of the interview.
Namibian Sun previously reported that Shilongo, who is a bus driver from Okahandja, was robbed of cellphones during the attack.
He was attacked while getting a quotation in a car parts dealership, according to fellow Namibian bus drivers close to the happenings.
It is also said he had N$7 000 on him earmarked for car parts, which his attackers stole.
Shilongo told Namibian Sun that his transition has been smooth thanks to Good Samaritans and hospital staff.
"I feel comfortable and at home. My family, friends and community members have been by my side since I was admitted. I appreciate the support I have gotten from ministers and have seen – or rather heard - many miracles happen for my family and me," he said with a smile.
Asked what he plans for his life going forward, he said he does want to preempt the future as it will unfold how it should. "The future will start falling into place in due time. It will determine whether I need to go back to school or learn a new trade that will sustain the needs of my family. With my strong support system, things will get better," he said.
Shilongo added that he would like to stay on at the Windhoek Central Hospital to receive further care until he has fully healed.