The nine-year-old Zimbabwean boy who was severely disfigured after a hyena attack arrived in South Africa on Saturday for reconstructive surgery.
Rodwell Nkomazana was at a night church service in Zaka, Masvingo Province last month when the wild animals attacked him.
He’s lost one of his eyes, his nose, and parts of his mouth during the attack.
A team of South African doctors including plastic surgeons, dental surgeons, and paediatricians has offered to assist with reconstructive surgery for free.
A hotel has also offered to accommodate the boy’s mother during their stay in South Africa.
Nkomozana’s doctor in Harare, Wayne Munana, says the Grade three pupil will need several operations.
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, plastic surgeon Ridwan Mia told AFP that the team was hoping to minimise the scarring through the expected 20-hour procedure.