Gqeberha rape survivor, Alison Botha has opened her eyes in hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm two weeks ago.
South Africans were devastated when news of her medical setback was made public.
Alison made national headlines in 1994 when she was raped, disemboweled, stabbed multiple times and nearly decapitated.
She was left for dead near Schoenmakerskop and crawled to the main road where a good samaritan came to her aid.
Her attackers Frans Du Toit and Theuns Kruger were released on parole last year.
In an update shared on social media on Sunday, Alison's legal representative Tania Koen said: "Alison has opened her eyes, and at times she communicates but any prediction is premature.
"Her pre-existing medical conditions due to the attack have severely complicated an already severe medical scenario and keep creating other areas of concern as well."
Koen described the bleeding on Alison's brain as "severe" and added that medical tests in the coming weeks will determine the full extent of what will be required for Alison’s rehabilitation.
She confirmed with certainty that Alison will be unable to work for quite some time, if at all.
Alison would require considerable care when she is discharged.
Upon learning of Alison's condition, South Africans also opened their wallets to make financial contributions to the trust that was created for her medical expenses and the road ahead.
She has no medical aid and is at an undisclosed public hospital in the country.
Koen earlier said no information of her whereabouts will be divulged to protect her safety.
A Trust account at Nedbank has since been established in Alison's name.
Account No 1302230492
Alison's harrowing journey was turned into a best-selling novel and a documentary released in 2016.
Also read: Rape survivor Alison Botha suffers medical setback
