When Social Media Saves Lives: How Twitter Helped Save a Man Shot Seven Times
A South African man Sinethemba Rasmeni had given up on life after being shot seven times. Pain from countless operations that ensued from the shooting incident drove him to Twitter, wishing for his death.
On January 13 2023, Rasmeni took to the microblogging platform writing;
21 September 2022 around 4pm two guys came into my house pointed me with a gun and asked for my car keys and i gave them, they wanted to tie me when i refused they shot me 7 bullets broke both my legs. And since that day its been operation after operation.
Despite his bleak outlook, Rasmeni received an outpouring of compassion and support from the Twitter community. People from all over the world sent messages of encouragement and hope, reminding John that he was not alone and that he could get through this.
Overwhelmed by the kindness and support of strangers on Twitter, Rasmeni had a glimmer of hope sparked within him, and he chose to fight on.
Earlier this month, he tweeted;
“After almost 5 months with endless operations today (February 9), i did this it felt good even thou its painful. Wont you look at God ? Thank you to everyone who gave me hope when i was hopeless. @2022AFRICA”
After almost 5 months with endless operations today i did this 😭😭😢😢 it felt good even thou its painful. Wont you look at God ? 😭😭😭 Thank you to everyone who gave me hope when i was hopeless. @2022AFRICA pic.twitter.com/IQSjB8gmk8
— Sinethemba Rasmeni (@NoEyebrows) February 9, 2023
He walks again!!!!
They tried to bury me but they didnt know i’m a seed. Decided to dress up and look clean nyana 😢😭😂 @2022AFRICA pic.twitter.com/jyYsMmjrCw
— Sinethemba Rasmeni (@NoEyebrows) February 25, 2023