A 30-year-old Hospital Hills resident is appealing for help after being left seriously injured in an attempted hijacking incident.
Motshewa Litaba was injured on 25 February 2024 at around 04:00 on the Golden Highway when a vehicle allegedly targeted the car she was travelling in.
According to the family, the vehicle was being followed by suspects believed to be attempting a hijacking. The driver was shot during the incident and later succumbed to his injuries.
Motshewa sustained serious injuries to both her legs and one arm, while her friends suffered minor injuries.
Since then, her life has changed dramatically.
Once able to move freely, she now relies on others for basic daily tasks, with mobility becoming one of her biggest challenges.
Following the incident, she spent several months receiving treatment at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital. Her family says she was not provided with a wheelchair during this time and was later referred to a non-profit organisation in Lenasia, Fountain of Inspiration, which supports patients with home-based medical assistance.
Motshewa was eventually assisted with a wheelchair through the organisation. However, her family says they were later asked to return it.
“The organisation told us to return the wheelchair if it got damaged, and that’s what we did. But we were then told it could not be returned because of its condition,” said her uncle, Joseph Panyane.
Now, without a wheelchair, simple movements have become a daily struggle.
Her family says access to a wheelchair would not only restore her mobility, but also her independence and dignity — giving her a chance to rebuild her life after the trauma she has endured.
The Litaba family is appealing to anyone who may be able to assist with a wheelchair donation.
Even a second-hand wheelchair in good condition could make a life-changing difference.
Anyone who can help can contact the family on 073 572 6622.
