INLSA

Imraan Sheik has a fitting for his new prosthetic leg donated by Durban orthotist and prosthetist Tjaart Kruger. Picture: Marilyn Bernard

‘God bless you! God bless you! People like you make the world a better place...”

Those were the emotional words of gratitude expressed to Durban orthotist and prosthetist Tjaart Kruger who donated a R60 000 prosthetic leg to shark-bite victim Imraan Sheik.

Kruger read about Sheik’s plight when the Daily News interviewed the fisherman last week, 10 years after he had been bitten while standing on a sandbank near the Royal Natal Yacht Club in Durban Harbour.

In 1992 Sheik’s story made headlines as it was the first reported shark attack in the harbour since record-keeping began in the 1940s.

Sheik had said his disability, and a decrepit wood and iron leg, had restricted his movement and prevented him from finding work.

He relies on his wife, Taahirah, to help him move around and had turned to the sea to earn a living, taking the train daily from Chatsworth to fish at Durban’s South Pier.

He is now nicknamed Sharky .

Several other readers were also touched by Sheik’s plight and offered to assist him financially and with food and clothing.

Yesterday, Sheik, 27, could not contain his excitement as Kruger measured him for the new limb, which is expected to be ready for fitting early next week.

Kruger took detailed measurements and a plaster cast.

The ill-fitting prosthetic leg which Sheik uses is about eight-years-old and is being held together with bandages, nuts and bolts, sticky tape and glue.

He often suffers phantom pains and terrible blisters caused by the prosthetic limb, which weighs more than 10kg.

He has been praying for a new limb for years to help ease his pain and suffering.

Kruger, owner of TAP Kruger Orthopaedics in Glenwood, said Sheik’s old prosthetic leg was most unsuitable for him and was extremely uncomfortable.

“His stump has reduced in size over the years and the old limb would have been difficult to wear. The new limb will be made of fibreglass and will be much lighter.”

He said the new limb would comprise three parts: the socket, knee and foot.

“Because Imraan loves to fish and go to the beach, the knee will be fitted with a special manual lock. This will allow him to walk easily on the shore without falling over.”

Kruger said he first read about Sheik’s plight about seven years ago when he was employed by the company he now owns.

“At the time, I was not in a position to help. When I saw the young man’s story in the paper last week, I knew immediately I wanted to help.

“My admin clerk, Pinky Thaver, brought it to my attention. She immediately got to work tracing Imraan and setting up the appointment for him to be measured.”

Kruger said he hoped the new limb would give Sheik a new lease of life and the confidence to follow his dream of joining the navy.

A delighted Sheik was extremely emotional and promised to pray for Kruger’s well-being every day so he could continue to help more people.

“God must bless him with good health. He is a wonderful man. I could never repay him; R60 000 is way beyond my reach.

“He has helped put an end to my pain and suffering. For that, I will be eternally grateful.” - The Mercury