Gwala was accosted by three men on Tuesday during a training ride. They pulled him off his bike and into some bushes‚ then took a handsaw and tried to cut his leg. He is now receiving medical treatment in hospital, while the motive for the attack is still under investigation.
Police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Thulani Zwane said an attempted murder case had been opened at the Umbilo police station.
On the Triathlon SA Facebook page‚ Erika Lawrence said: "This is the worse thing I've ever heard! What on earth is going on with these people? The excruciating pain that he must've gone through. No man should ever have to go through something like this or live with the memory. Besides physical help‚ this will come with great need for psychological help. I'm so sorry for what he had to go though."
Claire Holtak commented: "May the evil that did this to you be outweighed by the care‚ good wishes and heartfelt prayers coming your way today and the months to come. May you be miraculously healed and protected from damage and trauma!"
The crowdfunding campaign for the promising triathlon competitor is running on the BackABuddy website‚ titled “Get Mhlengi back on his bike".
“We are hoping to raise funds to support him with all his medical expenses‚ transportation‚ bike replacement and rehabilitation costs. We want to see him back on his bike!‚” JP Valverde asked supporters.