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To hell and back … the story of ‘Gedagte’


“IN an era when schools and young people are being bombarded with negativity and sensitive social dilemmas, I’m blessed to be familiar with dedicated teachers and talented youths who are rich in character and committed to making a difference – each in their own unique way.”

These are the words of Luciano Lambert, and are also the opening lines to his yet-to-be-published book, titled ‘Attempted Murder Survivor’.

But those who have known Lambert before his life-transforming run-in with fate would not expect to hear this coming from him.

In fact, the self-professed former brilliant pupil made the schoolgrounds his prime cannabis-selling spot, which has led to his expulsion from several schools.

Lambert, also known as ‘Gedagte’, describes his near-fatal encounter as his greatest gift – in disguise.

“It was Sunday, 11 August 2019, and all I remember is that we were celebrating my friend’s birthday with drinks. About a month later I woke up in a hospital bed – connected to all sorts of devices,” he says.

His then girlfriend, who he only identifies as ‘Bonnie,’ is the only witness in the ongoing criminal case which was opened after the incident.

Lambert says he was hospitalised at Lady Pohamba Private Hospital, where his family was told he would either die as a result of his injuries or end up being brain dead.

Having sustained a severe head injury due to an assault with an unknown object, he suffered a depressed skull fracture with bone pieces and pieces of a foreign body in his brain tissue, he says.

“I was hurried to the theatre for an emergency craniotomy to remove the bony fragments, and my condition improved. I had to go for a second operation on 25 August 2019 for skull repairs, before being sent to Windhoek Central Hospital, where I was bedridden for two months,” he says.

At this point, he says, he had lost his ability to walk, speak, read, and write, and even part of his memory.

He was discharged in that condition, he says.

“My eyesight was blurry and sensitive to light. I could not carry a telephonic conversation, because it was impossible for my brain to process the sounds and rearrange them in meaningful patterns.

“I could not taste or smell, and even worse, I have lost my balance and depth and distance perception,” he says.

REJECTION

His return back to the only livelihood he knew, now partially disabled, was met with a cold shoulder from friends, including Bonnie.

This rejection led to his drug addiction, he says.

One person kept supporting him though – his mother.

“Whether on drugs or not, my mother forced me to pray with her. One day I returned home after a smoking session and sat in front of the house.

“Thinking about my meaningless life, I heard a voice reminding me that I have been everywhere and tried everything except God,” he says.

This was the beginning of a series of events that led to his transformation, Lambert says.

STANDING TALL

It took him about a year to regain his senses, he says.

Today, Lambert is an author, public speaker, and the founder and owner of Gedagte Investment CC.

He sells clothing apparel and merchandise with positive messages of hope.

Still vocally challenged, he says he harbours no worries about his situation.

“I have truly come to believe that when we are struck down by adversity, God weeps with us. Then, because we are loved, He heals us in ways we can never imagine.”





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