Crowd-funding for South African triathlete after being attacked with chainsaw

JOHANNESBURG, March 8 (Xinhua) -- South Africans and other well-wishers from all around the world on Thursday have donated over 19,000 U.S. dollar towards the payment of medical bills for a South African triathlete competitor.

Mhlengi Gwala (26) is in a Durban Hospital after he was attacked with a chainsaw on Tuesday.

Gwala, a Durban-based triathlete has competed in two international triathlons. He underwent a surgery after robbers tried to saw off his legs with chainsaw.

Gwala was training near the University of KwaZulu-Natal at about 03:15 (CAT) on Tuesday when three men dragged him into the bushes during his morning cycle.

Gwala's sponsor and friend Sue de la Porte said in an attempt to save himself from the violent crime, the triathlete surrendered his phone, watch and bicycle, but the three attackers seemed intent on sawing off his legs.

Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane told local media on Wednesday that security guards came to Gwala's rescue and he was taken to hospital.

"He was fortunate as his main artery was not damaged, but he has a lot of muscle damage," De la Porte said.

South Africa police confirmed that a case of attempted murder has been opened at the Umbilo Police Station.

The crowd-funding campaign for the promising triathlon competitor is running on the BackABuddy website, titled "Get Mhlengi on his bike." Enditem