The family of Mhlengi Dumisa, a 20-year-old man from Lindelani township, is demanding justice and accountability from the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health after a routine operation in 2017 resulted in a life-altering double amputation.

The ordeal began when Dumisa was admitted to King Edward Hospital in Durban complaining of a stomach ache. According to the family, doctors suspected stomach tuberculosis and advised that he undergo an operation.

Following the surgery, Dumisa's condition deteriorated rapidly. He experienced difficulties breathing and was rushed to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). It was there that his family first noticed disturbing changes to his physical state.

"What we noticed... it was his fingers shrank and turning color into blue and then developed some sores on it," said his mother. After he was moved to a high-care ward, the same situation continued.

A few days later, the family was told their son needed an emergency operation to amputate both his limbs in order to save his life. The procedure was performed, but the family alleges they were never given a clear or satisfactory explanation for why the amputation was medically necessary. They now suspect gross negligence on the part of the hospital.

"I can't shed any more tears because I have cried too much for more than 5 years," his mother stated, her voice heavy with grief. "The story of mine has become a norm. Every single day somebody ask me then I have to explain what happened."

For Mhlengi Dumisa, the consequences are permanent. He is forced to live with profound emotional and physical scars. Despite the immense psychological, physical, and emotional pain, he remains determined to seek justice.

"What I wish for is for Department of Health to understand that this has happened on their hands. I have nothing to do with it," his mother said. "They must at least try to account on this because if it's not them who will be accountable for this."

Efforts to get an official comment from the provincial Department of Health were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Acknowledging that his life will never be the same, Dumisa has vowed to soldier on. For now, his focus is on completing his high school education with the hope of one day fulfilling his dream of becoming a lawyer.