TSHIMBUPFE - A 17-year-old grade 6 learner, Tshifhiwa Mutavhatsindi, from a poverty-stricken family in Tshimbupfe, Schielfarm, whose health has not been good for some years, is now battling to survive, since he was allegedly assaulted by a member of the royal family at Ha-Mutheiwana village early last year.

According to Tshifhiwa's mother, Mrs Annah Tshimangadzo Muavha, her son's health condition had been poor, but it worsened after he was allegedly assaulted last year. She said that, due to poverty, she could not take him to consult a doctor.

"Since he was assaulted and kicked in the private parts, his health condition has been poor. He cannot go to school now, and stays at home the whole time." Tshifhiwa told Mirror that he has opened an assault charge against the person at the Vuwani SAPS, but the following day the royal was released before appearing in court.

"Insp. Tshikomba, who was handling the case, gave me the court date, but then the case was moved to another date, as the royal did not avail himself. He came to the kraal, requesting me to withdraw the charges against him and I refused," he said.

He added that when he went to the Vuwani Magistrate's Court again, he was shocked when it was announced that the charges against the man had been withdrawn and that he had paid a fine, without testifying. His mother added "The police even told us not to come back to the police station to complain about the matter."

According to his mother, she took him to traditional healers, prophets and to clinics and hospitals, but she could not get any help. At the Tshimbupfe Clinic, she was told by nurses not to bring him to the clinic anymore, as they do not have medication to treat his illness. "It pains me, because the problem is also affecting his studies."