Cricketer in serious condition after attacked outside Somerset Pub
South African cricketer is in serious condition at a hospital after being assaulted outside a pub in a Somerset town, according to police.
Mondli Khumalo, who plays for North Petherton, was attacked near the Green Dragon Pub in Friarn Street Bridgwater at about 3 am on Sunday, Avon and Somerset Police said.
The 20-year-old pacer, who had represented South Africa in age cricket and has played under-19s for the country, remains in the hospital after undergoing emergency treatment.
The police had arrested a 27-year-old man on suspicion of causing bodily harm and was released under investigation.
The Superintendent of police Richard Turner said that the family of the youngster are fully updated on his condition and also regarding the investigation.
“We’re taking steps to ensure Mondli’s family in South Africa are being kept fully updated on his condition, as well as how our investigation is progressing,” Richard Turner said.
Turner added that the full investigation is on the way and the police are reviewing CCTV footage from around the area.
“A full investigation is underway and we’ve carried out house-to-house enquiries and are continuing to review CCTV footage from around the area to ensure we gather all available evidence”, he added.
The police added that they are investigating if there are any eyewitnesses to come forward, and they are also hoping that there would be someone who would’ve taped the incident on their camera.
“We know there were a large number of people in the area at the time and we’d appeal for any eyewitnesses to come forward, especially if anyone has mobile phone footage showing any part of this incident,” the police added.
The North Petherton Cricket Club released a statement saying that Mondli Khumalo was one of their most loved overseas players and they had extended heartfelt support to the cricketer’s family.
North Petherton Cricket Club said in a statement: “All at North Petherton Cricket Club are in shock at the incident in Bridgwater that has led to our much-loved overseas player Mondli Khumalo being hospitalised in Southmead Hospital in Bristol this morning.”
It added: “We extend our heartfelt support to Mondli for a full and speedy recovery. Our hearts go out to his family, friends and colleagues in South Africa.
“Our thanks to those that helped Mondli, especially the health service staff on scene and at the hospital.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference 5222126854.