Six years after a horrific panga attack claimed the lives of her grandmother, uncle, and a one-year-old cousin, Rejoice Gift Petrus continues to struggle for a basic quality of life.

Now seven years old, Rejoice was the sole survivor of the brutal incident, where she lost her leg and sustained serious head injuries. 

Since then, she has faced immense challenges. Unable to walk and speak, she is in urgent need of a wheelchair, as her mobility is limited to crawling.

Each day, Rejoice drags herself across thorny grass under the scorching sun, taking nearly 20 minutes just to reach the neighbours’ house to play with other children.

She has no leg, and cannot walk or speak.

Yet, she endures what many adults might not survive—just for the chance to feel like a child again. She rolls along the ground, shifting from side to back to front, inching her way to where she wants to be.

The 2018 attack left three members of her family dead: her grandmother, Vilgenia Teofelus (61), her uncle, Simon Petrus (30), and her one-year-old cousin, Ndapandula Ndahalaovanhu Hafeni.

At just two years old, Rejoice was hacked and left for dead. Her leg was severed, two fingers were cut off, and her body drenched in blood. Against all odds, she survived.

Now, six years later, she is alive—but not okay.

“She wants to play like other kids. But she must roll to get there. Her only leg is worn out from dragging. She can’t speak, but she understands everything,” says Simon Kondjashili, who has been taking care of her ever since.

He describes Rejoice as more than her wounds, “living proof that evil never has the final say.” But now, he says, she needs help.

Kondjashili, who is related to the family, said the suspect in the attack, Rejoice’s uncle, is in custody and remains behind bars.

“According to consultations with the Ministry of Gender and the Ministry of Health, facilitated by the Okongo Constituency Office, Rejoice urgently needs an artificial leg, a wheelchair, and speech therapy. Her family, however, cannot afford these life-saving interventions,” he explained.

He added that Rejoice’s mother has since left the household, believing the family is cursed. Rejoice is now being cared for by an elderly neighbour.

Scout Namibia, under Kondjashili’s leadership, has joined the initiative to support Rejoice. They are calling on the public to open their hearts to this courageous child, hungry for a normal life and joy, despite having so much taken from her.

A fundraising event is being organised to help cover the costs of her medical needs, including assistive devices, clothing, bedding and transport for therapy appointments.

vkaapanda@nepc.com.na