Founder of the Geza Izandla Organisation and community activist, Rakhee Meyer, also known as Tilly, is now struggling to come to terms with a life-threatening ordeal that has left her husband, Kurt Meyer, fighting for his life in Albert Luthuli Hospital.
Tilly told The Ladysmith Herald in an interview, that never in her life did she think that something this traumatic would change her life and that of her family.
Kurt Meyer was walking home on Sunday, 25 June, when three men – aged between 24 and 40 years old – brutally assaulted him. The three men have been arrested and are facing charges of attempted murder and three counts of assault.
“The trio allegedly assaulted a 45-year-old victim in the Acaciavale area on 25 June. The accused have been remanded in custody and will make a formal bail application on 13 July in the Ladysmith Magistrate’s Court,” said Warrant Officer Bash Khan of SAPS Ladysmith.
Tilly said that she was called by members of the community, who informed her that Kurt was being attacked.
When she and her daughter arrived, they found Kurt unconscious as the men continued their brutal assault. She and her daughter were then pistol-whipped and beaten as they desperately tried to save Kurt from his attackers.
“What is really sad about this, is that these are people who we, as an organisation, are always ready to help or assist in any way,” said Tilly.
She explained that the last few days have been a nightmare and that Kurt had to be rushed to Albert Luthuli Hospital in Durban to undergo emergency brain surgery after it was discovered that he had bleeding on his brain.
Kurt has been in a coma since the operation and his wife says that the rest is now in God’s hands as the doctors have advised that Kurt must come out of the coma on his own.
Gustav Meyer, Kurt’s brother, said that his family is completely devastated about the ordeal. “I just want my brother back,” said Gustuv.
Geza Izandla Organisation, a non-profit organisation, was established in 2019 by Rakhee Meyer and her husband who decided that after sacrificing many hours of volunteer work for various NPOs in Ladysmith and the surrounding areas, to establish and work together on an NPO within their own community.
Tilly said that she has not left her husband’s side since the incident. “I want my husband back. He needs to come back and get better as he is not only a great man, but a great father to four amazing children.”
Tilly added that she is angry and heartbroken. “We, as a couple, have done so much for the community. Never did I think that they would turn on us like this.”
The events leading up to the brutal attack are currently unclear, however, it is believed that a disagreement had taken place regarding R50 and a dog.
Tilly said that it has not only been extremely difficult to be away from her home, but this has taken its toll on her and the family since Kurt is the main breadwinner of the household.
“There is nothing that I can do but pray,” she said, adding that she hopes justice is served and that the men responsible are put behind bars.
