Father of Four Fights for Life After Tragic Electrical Accident at Construction Site

Gabriel Teofelus, a 29-year-old father of four, is facing an uncertain future following a tragic incident that has left him battling for his life after suffering severe electrical burns while working on a construction site. Teofelus has been hospitalized at Oshakati Intermediate Hospital since November 26, when a metal object he was carrying came into contact with an exposed electrical wire at a site in Oshikuku, Omusati region. In an emotional interview from his hospital bed, Teofelus described the harrowing aftermath of the accident. "My whole body is burnt, except my head. Even my internal organs have been burned. I cannot walk, stand or sit up," he recounted, tears streaming down his face. His plight is not just a physical struggle but also a deep concern for his family, as he fears for the well-being of his children due to the loss of income. "My children will suffer because nobody will be able to support them," he lamented, highlighting the ripple effects of his injury beyond his personal suffering. Teofelus, who had been employed at Okapyala Trading CC for five years, expressed frustration not only over his injury but also with the medical care he has received. He alleged that the treatment has been insufficient, claiming he was given only Panado tablets and criticized the manner in which hospital staff handled his bed in the corridor. "They don't care about my situation. They push me as if I'm a dead person," he asserted, reflecting the desperation and pain that accompany his physical condition. In response to these claims, Dr. Ruben Kanime, the medical superintendent of Oshakati Hospital, refuted Teofelus' assertions regarding his treatment, stating that a team of doctors has been attending to him since his admission and that a variety of medications have been administered for pain management. Dr. Kanime also acknowledged the challenges faced in hospital logistics, explaining that uneven floors in some corridors complicate the handling of beds, sometimes resulting in rough transport for patients. Teofelus' family is now faced with the difficult decision of seeking further medical care, as they wish to transfer him to South Africa for a kidney transplant. However, financial constraints have made this a daunting prospect. Health executive director Ben Nangombe emphasized that the ministry has a special fund designated for patients requiring treatment in private facilities or abroad. He encouraged Teofelus' family to reach out to the medical superintendent's office to explore available assistance. Teofelus' sister, Secilia Shiwedha, painted a vivid picture of her brother as the family’s primary provider, known for his hardworking nature. "He doesn't like hunger. He is a real hustler," she said, conveying the burden that now rests on the family in the absence of his support. The owner of Okapyala Trading CC, Helungi Petrus, described Teofelus as an exemplary worker whose absence has significantly impacted the company’s productivity. "He always provided excellent service and did quality work," Petrus noted, underscoring the esteem in which Teofelus is held by both his employer and colleagues. The community now watches closely as the situation unfolds, hoping for a miraculous recovery for Teofelus, whose resilience and dedication to his family have become a poignant reminder of the real-life consequences that workplace accidents can inflict on families and communities.