EFF calls for mandatory medical personnel at Total Ninja after woman's injury leads to amputation
Khetiwe Mngomezulu was injured while using one of the indoor obstacles at the Total Ninja facility last month.
Logo for the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Picture: Wikimedia Commons
JOHANNESBURG - Obstacle course facility, Total Ninja has confirmed that an internal investigation is underway after a woman was injured at its Northgate branch in Johannesburg.
The incident sparked outrage from the EFF youth command, which is calling for on-site medical personnel to be made mandatory at the park.
In response, Total Ninja told Eyewitness News that their facilities 'operate with strict safety protocols, regular inspections, and trained staff on-site.'
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Khetiwe Mngomezulu was injured while using one of the indoor obstacles at the Total Ninja facility last month.
The company confirmed that Mngomezulu had 'reported that she sprained her knee and dislocated her left arm' on the day in question.
The 27-year-old claims she waited hours for help before being taken to hospital, where doctors later amputated her right leg due to an infection.
Total Ninja has disputed the claim that the customer was left unattended for hours, saying 'she was immediately assisted by the on-site medic and three marshals, who promptly moved her to the first aid room via stretcher, and secured her accordingly.'
On Saturday, the EFF youth command marched to the branch, demanding accountability and a temporary shutdown of the park.
EFF Youth Command Gauteng convenor Mmeli Gabashe said that the park failed to meet basic safety standards.
"How do you have such a dangerous gaming zone that does not have medical personnel on site? Why were there no paramedics or first aid? The chances that someone will fall and break a leg or arm are more than 80 percent.”
The company however said that emergency services were contacted.
The matter remains under internal review.
"We are awaiting further information from the guest at present," the company said via electronic communication.
The facility’s website also makes it clear that participation comes with risk, and that by booking and agreeing to its terms and conditions, users waiver the right to hold Total Ninja liable for injury or death.
Gabashe said that discussions are ongoing between the party, Total Ninja, and Mngomezulu to find a way forward.
EDITOR'S NOTE:
This article has been updated to reflect comment from Total Ninja.