Chainsaw-wielding gang attempts to saw off triathlete's leg

          Mhlengi Gwala of South Africa


In a strange development, South African triathlete Mhlengi Gwala has been attacked by a chainsaw-wielding gang while on a training ride in Durban.  It is still not clear what led to the bizarre onslaught.

However, three men are thought to have dragged the athlete into a bush and attempted to hack at his leg with a chainsaw.

Dennis Jackson‚ director of the Elite Athlete Development programme - which Gwala is a part of - said the motive for the attack, which happened on Tuesday, remained a mystery.

“We have spoken with Mhlengi. He is in hospital‚ in the trauma unit of the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital‚ awaiting transfer to another hospital.

“Our sports doctor has spoken to him. He is conscious.”