Cricket South Africa: Mondli Khumalo Assault – Former South African U19 fast bowler Mondlu Khumalo is in serious condition after an alleged assault outside a UK pub in Somerset. The 2020 U19 World Cupper suffered serious head injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital on May 29.
The 20-year-old joined North Petherton Cricket Club for the English summer as an exchange player for World Sports Xchange. As per reports, Khumalo was visiting Green Dragon pub in Friarn Street in on May 29 early morning when the incident happened.
Cricket South Africa: South African U19 World Cupper Mondli Khumalo in COMA after assault in UK – Follow Live Updates
Cricket South Africa: South African U19 World Cupper Mondli Khumalo in COMA after assault in UK – Follow Live Updates
The South African cricketer was alone at the time of the incident and was transferred to Southmead Hospital. As per Somerset Live, he has suffered massive head trauma. He has undergone two major surgeries to relieve pressure on the brain. However, he has been put into a medically induced coma.
North Petherton Cricket Club and Khumalo’s agent, Rob Humphries, have begun work on assisting the Khumalo family, especially Mondli’s mother, to obtain a passport to travel to the United Kingdom to be with him.
“Mondli is such a gentle guy. His mom just can’t understand how something like this could have happened to him. And everyone at North Petherton just adores him. He is a genuinely lovely kid. He was having a really good time here. He had bowled really well and he had become such a wonderful part of the club,” Rob Humphries, North Petherton Cricket Club and Khumalo’s agent, told ESPNCricinfo.
What does police say?
A 20-year-old man was assaulted during this incident and he’s in hospital undergoing treatment after suffering serious head injuries.
It happened at around 3am in the Friarn Street area, and involved a large number of people.
A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.
We’re appealing for anyone who witnessed this incident to come forward, including anyone who either filmed it on a mobile phone, or who may have any relevant dash cam footage.
Cricket South Africa: South African U19 World Cupper Mondli Khumalo in COMA after assault in UK – Follow Live Updates
Sending huge best wishes to Mondli Khumalo of @NorthPethyCC who is in a serious condition after being assaulted 😪
He’s played for South Africa U19s and has been a much loved overseas player this year.
Please donate to help his family here ➡️ https://t.co/EQQBOfYyhB pic.twitter.com/LIGJrGJv9J
— England’s Barmy Army (@TheBarmyArmy) May 31, 2022
An individual arrested
Somerset Police have arrested a 27-year-old individual on suspicion of assault. However, he has been released while the case is still under investigation.
“We’re taking steps to ensure Mondli’s family in South Africa are being kept fully updated on his condition, as well as how our investigation is progressing,” Superintendent Richard Turner said.
Cricket South Africa: South African U19 World Cupper Mondli Khumalo in COMA after assault in UK – Follow Live Updates
Meanwhile, England’s official fan group Barmy Army has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help Khumalo with his hospital expenses.
