After a devastating mining accident crushed his leg and shattered life as he knew it, Petros Letsoalo found strength in the unlikeliest place, his daughter’s laughter, and fought his way back to his feet, one determined step at a time.
Johannesburg, South Africa (04 April 2025) – Petros Letsoalo is walking again. And not just walking, he keeps up with his energetic four-year-old daughter, one determined step at a time, after surviving an underground mining accident that changed his life forever.
In October 2024, while working near Witbank, Petros’s world was turned upside down when a heavy piece of metal equipment crushed his lower right leg. The injury was devastating. A severe compound fracture that couldn’t be saved. Rushed to Netcare Alberton Hospital, he faced an unthinkable decision just days later.
“All the doctors tried their best, but my leg could not be saved due to the severity of the accident. When I heard that we needed to call my family to discuss amputation, it was a terrible moment, and at first, I was scared and confused,” Petros recalls.
But even in the darkest moment, he found his reason to push forward. His daughter.
“With the guidance of a psychologist at the hospital, I focused on my four-year-old daughter, and I came to accept that life goes on. I realised that my daughter still needs me, and she has kept me going through all of this.”
Just two weeks after the amputation, Petros was transferred to Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital, where his journey of healing truly began. It wasn’t just about learning to walk again, it was about rebuilding a life.
“Losing a limb is a significant, lifechanging event,” explains Dr Rajesh Bhoola, who was part of the rehabilitation team.
“It can be extremely stressful for a person to imagine how they will manage daily life and earn a living afterwards.”
Petros was supported by a full team, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists, social workers and even a nutritionist, all working together to help him return to life with as much independence as possible.
Occupational therapist Andréa Teixeira-Jardim added,
“From day one, the focus is on how much the person can do, starting with table-top activities and self-care, then working on mobilising with crutches indoors and outdoors on uneven ground.”
Petros admits that the process wasn’t easy.
“They taught me how to do so many things, including making myself breakfast on crutches – it is really not as easy as it might sound if you’ve never had to do it yourself.”
At first, he thought a wheelchair would be enough. But with encouragement and a bit of healthy stubbornness, he agreed to try a prosthetic leg.
“The occupational therapist convinced me to try walking with a prosthesis. She told me that I would get used to it.”
And he did.
After being fitted with a prosthetic leg, he returned to Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital in January 2025 to begin training. It was slow and often frustrating. But progress came.
“At first, it seemed daunting. I started with crutches, and I was scared that I would just fall if I tried to walk. The physiotherapist, prosthetist and occupational therapist worked hard with me, and I had to practise, practise, practise. After some time, I found I no longer needed the crutches,” says Petros.
Dr Bhoola remembers one moment clearly, “I remember the day Mr Letsoalo came striding down to the rehabilitation gym for the first time without needing a wheelchair—it was a significant milestone in his recovery.”
Petros might not return to his underground duties, but he’s got his life back. And that matters more.
“By the time he left us, Mr Letsoalo was doing fantastically well and no longer needed crutches. He has been highly motivated to reintegrate back home, and in a few months, he will be able to resume working, albeit in a different role.”
His story is one of resilience, support, and sheer will. It reminds us that healing takes a village. And that life after trauma is not just possible, but often beautiful.
“Mr Letsoalo’s experience and progress demonstrate that a traumatic incident does not mean the end of your life – it may mean a pause and regroup and the start of a new chapter,” says Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital general manager, Gugulethu Setati.
Petros says it best: “I would not be the person I am today if not for the team at Netcare Rehabilitation Hospital. I would like to thank them, and my message to anyone who is faced with amputation is to make peace with the situation and accept that life has no guarantees. At 41, I am young, and I am still going to live my life to the fullest.”
And live it he shall, alongside the people who matter most.
“It was all worthwhile to be home now with my wife and our daughter – they mean everything to me.”
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