News24 | Readers rally to help Sello who carried his dog ‘Option’ 15km after hit-and-run

Option brightens up during a visit from Sello Mabote, who walked for hours to get her the treatment she needed.

• Readers donated thousands of rand within days after learning that Sello Mabote carried his injured dog 15km to get help at the Virginia SPCA in the Free State.
• At least 10 donors said they were moved by his selflessness and praised his determination to save Option after a hit-and-run.
• Contributions included money for food, medicine, veterinary costs, and transport so Sello could visit Option without having to walk the distance again.

News24 readers have opened their hearts – and their wallets – after reading about Sello Mabote, the Kutlwanong father who walked 15km while carrying his injured dog, Option, to the Virginia SPCA in the Free State.

What started as a heartbreaking account of a hit-and-run has turned into a wave of kindness, with strangers offering donations of money for food, medicine, veterinary costs, and transport so Sello never has to walk that distance again, especially when visiting Option during her recovery.

By Friday, after News24 reported on his story, Mabote had received R3 200, and more donations are expected to come at the end of November.

At least 10 readers have indicated their intention to assist.

So far, donations ranged from R250 to R1 500, and all donors have wished Option a speedy recovery.

READ | ‘I had to save my dog’: Man carries injured best friend 15km after hit-and-run

One donor, Reinhardt van Wyk, said: “Sello’s story resonated with me because of his willingness to go above and beyond to help an animal that couldn’t help itself.

“It was genuinely inspiring to read about someone who acted selflessly, expecting nothing in return, something that feels increasingly rare in today’s world.”

Another donor, Louise Boulle, added: “I cannot stop thinking about it and have had a lot of tears when I see him with that girl in his arms.

“I think about the thoughts he had, how strong he had to be to get her medical attention, and his love for her. We just needed a happy story right now.”

A third donor said the story touched her immensely, and praised both Mabote and the SPCA team.

“What Sello did to get help for his best friend is exceptionally special. I pray that God blesses them both in abundance,” she said.

Several readers also asked for the contact details of the SPCA in Virginia so that they could make direct contributions.

One reader wrote: “I hope Option recovers quickly and may Sello’s heart inspire others to stand by their animal companions in times of need.”

Mabote’s story began on 22 October, when his best friend, Option, was hit by a car while he was cleaning his yard.

Mabote carried Option for hours in the heat, stopping only briefly to rest in a patch of shade before continuing his journey.

Mabote said he would use the donations to travel to the SPCA to visit Option.

He said:

“Option will stay at the SPCA until she is fully recovered, and she will come back home as soon as she is strong again. We cannot wait to have her back with us.”

Mabote added that he was blessed and happy that Option received the help she needed.

“Seeing her being cared for and treated with love at the SPCA means so much to me. Thank you to the Virginia SPCA and the generous readers for everything they have done for me and Option.”

If you would like to get in touch, email feelgood@news24.com.