‘A testimony of God’s grace’: Donovan Marx’s family shares first hospital photo - News24

For the first time since the horrendous attack on Donovan Marx, his family has released a photo of the Ventersdorp farmer in hospital, saying they wanted South Africans to “see the fruit of their prayers”.

The photo, taken on Thursday morning and shared with Donovan’s permission, showed him recovering in Mediclinic Potchefstroom, just over a week after he was shot, stabbed, and had his ears cut off during an attack on his farm.

“[This is] nothing less than a miracle and a testimony of God’s grace,” said Marx’s wife Louise in a statement from the family.

“We know how many people across South Africa have prayed for, and are still praying for Donovan. Today [Thursday], we want to share this photo with you so that you too can see the fruit of your prayers.”

The latest update from the family on Thursday comes three days after Marx suffered a medical setback following emergency surgery.

Despite the severity of his injuries, the Marx family said they were encouraged by the progress he had made.

Louise said the fact that her husband was alive, could smile and continued to recover was remarkable.

“Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude. When we think back on what Donovan has been through, and we see him today, we can only give all the glory to the Lord.”

Although Donovan’s progress gave the family hope, they said his injuries remained serious, and he still required specialised medical care, careful monitoring and further recovery time.

Marx will carry the scars of his brutal attack for the rest of his life, with the family previously saying that his ears could not be saved.

“We know there is still a long road ahead, but we believe that the same God who has carried him this far will also carry him further.

“Thank you to everyone who prays, hopes and believes with us. Your love and support mean more to us than words could ever describe,” Louise said.

The family said they were particularly grateful to the medical team at Mediclinic Potchefstroom and the dedicated care he was receiving.

On Tuesday, four men appeared in the Ventersdorp Magistrate’s Court, just days after the attack on Marx and a farmworker.

Phindile Alex Nomngcayi, 30, Thomas Thabo Motlhangtlhong, 27, Mothoka Godfrey Mathipa, 56, and Mokhema Jan Maishoane, 53, have been charged with attempted murder, robbery with aggravating circumstances, assault, as well as possession of firearms and ammunition in connection with what the State called a “planned and premeditated offence”.

In court, it emerged that Nomngcayi had provided Marx’s farm’s address as his residential address, and the State refused to accept it.

A fifth person, who was arrested initially, is now a State witness.

The four men are also accused of assaulting farmworker Christopher Jinga, tying him up with cable ties while waiting for Marx to arrive. They then allegedly dragged Marx into the house and ransacked the property, stealing three firearms from a safe and fleeing in his bakkie.

They are expected back in court on 13 November, when they are expected to apply for bail.

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