A 9-year-old Zimbabwean boy left severely disfigured after being attacked by a hyena will undergo a specialised procedure as surgeons attempt to reconstruct his face.
According to SABC News, a news channel owned by the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Rodwell Nkomazana was leaving a church service at night in rural Zimbabwe when the mauling happened.
The incident caused him to lose an eye, his nose, and parts of his mouth.
While doctors from one of the main hospitals in the capital of Harare did their best to patch him up, AFP reported that they lacked the resources to fully repair the damage.
Instead, surgeons in South Africa have taken on the task after being contacted by the boy's mother.
Plastic surgeon Ridwan Mia told AFP that he couldn't say no to the Nkomazana's mother after hearing about the story. He would be conducting the surgery for free as she did not have enough money to pay for the procedure.
SABC News reported that Nkomazana will also be treated pro-bono by a team of doctors including plastic surgeons, dental surgeons, and paediatricians.
His hospitalisation — estimated to last at least a month — will be covered by donations, while a hotel has also offered to accommodate the boy's mother during their stay in South Africa.
Extensive 20 hour procedure
The boy was flown into Johannesburg, South Africa on June 19.
He was greeted by hospital staff, some of whom wore the t-shirts with drawings of Nkomazana printed on them.
On Monday (June 21), Nkomazana will undergo exploratory surgery before a more extensive complex operation is scheduled.
While the injuries are likely to leave multiple scars on his face, Mia said the team was hoping to minimise the scarring through the expected 20-hour procedure.
"But we want to give him something that will at least allow him to be functional and enjoy the things that other kids do," said Mia to AFP.
Top image screengrab from SABC News Youtube Channel