Update

GEORGE NEWS - Alison Botha has spoken some words after brain surgery on Thursday. A shunt was inserted to drain cerebral fluid following an aneurysm she suffered on 25 September.

According to Tania Koen, her attorney, the shunt will remain under her skin permanently to drain fluid into her chest. "I am told that under normal circumstances it would have been drained into her stomach, but the extent of the damage she suffered to her stomach during the brutal attack on her in 1994 has made this impossible."

Botha's condition is still serious. "We are positive and very excited over the fact that she can communicate, however at times she is confused and incomprehensible. 

"The reality is that the extent of the damage done by the aneurysm and the resultant fluid on the brain could not yet be ascertained. Tests to determine this should be starting now. 

"The doctors say that the pressure in her brain was very high and damage would be certain, but we are hoping that Alison will now again demonstrate the same fighting spirit that helped her survive the impossible after the attack."

Dr Tiaan Eilerd, the man who helped Botha at the scene after the attack and is currently also supporting her in hospital, explained that bleeding that was caused by the aneurysm will dissolve over time. 

"However due to the injury caused by the aneurysm, pathways through which the cerebrospinal fluid would normally drain have been affected. 

"Evaluations will reveal the extent of the damage, in other words how much strength she has, does she have sensation in her legs, is she able to sit or stand, does she comprehend time and place, or will she be able to make her own decisions."

He said her short term memory is currently affected.

Koen confirmed that some donations have been received towards the trust fund that a group of well-wishers had started in aid of Botha's medical and future rehabilitation costs. 

"We are very grateful towards those who have already donated. We have also been overwhelmed by the response from people wishing Alison well and praying for her," said Koen.

Alison's attackers, Theuns Kruger and Frans du Toit, who had left her for dead after savagely assaulting and raping her, were released on parole last year. 

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