South African triathlete Mhlengi Gwala attacked with a chainsaw

A triathlete will undergo surgery after attackers tried to saw off his leg. Photo / Getty

A promising South African triathlete nearly lost his leg after he was attacked with a chainsaw in Durban.

According to news.24.com, Mhlengi Gwala was training near the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the early hours of Tuesday morning (NZT) when he was approached by three armed men.

His athletic sponsor, Sue de la Porte, said Gwala was then dragged into the surrounding bushes by the men who then attempted to saw the 26-year-old's leg off.

"He tried offering them his cellphone and money, but they pinned him down and tried to saw off his leg," said De la Porte.

"He is very badly injured. We've just spoken to the plastic surgeon and he is currently in the surgical ward."

De la Porte said she had spent the entire day with Gwala at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, where the triathlete was X-rayed and scheduled for an operation.

"The doctor says the blood flow is good, the only problem is with his tendons," said Gwala's friend and training partner Sandile Shange.

With a promising sporting career, Gwala had already competed in two international triathlons.

A friend of mine, cycling in the Durban area was robbed by three people this morning, Then they attempted to saw off both legs with a chainsaw. Blade too blunt and only got half way through one and started on the other. Absolutely disgusting! How safe are we on SA roads?

— Henri Schoeman (@H_Schoeman) March 6, 2018

I wish all the best to @MhlengiGwala in his operation and road to recovery. We all stand behind you and support you as we need to make cycling safer on the roads in South Africa!

— Henri Schoeman (@H_Schoeman) March 6, 2018

Triathlete Henry Schoeman broke the news on Twitter with a Tweet that read: "A friend of mine, cycling in the Durban area was robbed by three people this morning, Then they attempted to saw off both legs with a chainsaw. Blade too blunt and only got half way through one and started on the other. Absolutely disgusting! How safe are we on SA roads?"

Provincial police spokesperson Captain Nqobile Gwala said the attack had not yet been reported and so could not comment further on the incident.