Tanzanian envoy still critical
2008-01-02 16:24
Johannesburg - The Tanzanian high commissioner to SA - who was beaten unconscious last week by robbers - remained sedated and breathing with the help of a ventilator in the Pretoria East Hospital's Intensive Care Unit, doctors said on Wednesday.
Neurosurgeon Dr Jason Labuschagne, said Emmanuel Mwambulukutu had suffered severe injuries to the head.
He was in a stable but critical condition.
"We are in the process of waking Mr Mwambulukutu. How long this takes depends on the injuries he has sustained.
"We'll really only know the extent of his injuries in about six weeks," Dr Labuschagne said.
"We'd also like to remove him from the ventilator as soon as it's possible," he added.
The high commissioner was beaten unconscious and seven other guests were assaulted and robbed at a farewell dinner in Pretoria last week.
About four armed men jumped over the wall of a private home in Garsfontein.
The thieves packed stolen goods into Mwambulukutu's 4x4 Mercedes and fled.
One man has been arrested but the other robbers remain at large.
- SAPA