A man who lost his arm in a brutal train attack has been awarded R5.4 million in compensation for medical expenses and loss of income.
The attack happened in August 2017 at Cape Town’s Koeberg station, when unknown assailants pushed him through the open doors of a train. The injuries were devastating, leaving him with an above-elbow amputation on his left arm and lasting damage to his spine.
At the time, he was working as a truck driver and was the main breadwinner for his family. Since the attack, he has been unable to return to driving and now helps his wife sell fresh produce from a small stall at their home.
Medical experts testified that his chances of re-entering the job market were extremely slim, as most work in his field requires two arms. While he could potentially be retrained for lighter clerical or supervisory roles, his qualifications and background make that unlikely.
The court heard that he uses a cosmetic prosthesis only occasionally, mainly to avoid feeling vulnerable in public, but he finds it too heavy and uncomfortable to wear regularly. Though he could technically use a more advanced prosthetic, he explained that it would not improve his quality of life, as he has already adapted to using his right hand for most tasks.
In her ruling, the judge acknowledged the challenges he faces daily, particularly the uncertainty around which prosthesis would best support him in the long term. After reviewing the expert testimonies, the court ordered that he be compensated with R5.475 million.
For the man, the payout offers some relief after years of hardship, but the reality of living with permanent disability and limited opportunities remains a difficult adjustment.