Decorated Hamilton-based Afghan interpreter who helped Kiwi troops, in coma after Afghanistan hit and run

November 23, 2018

A former Afghani interpreter, who was given awards for his work with New Zealand troops on the front line, has been left in a coma in an Afghan hospital after being hit by a car.

Abdul Azim Kazimi, who currently lives in Hamilton, was in Afghanistan for an arranged marriage to a 16-year-old girl, now 17.

The 27-year-old was working on an application to allow his wife entry into New Zealand when he was injured in a hit-and-run.

The New Zealand General Service Medal and Operational Service Medal recipient has been in a coma ever since the November 11 incident.

Abdul's brother Diamond Kazimi told 1 NEWS that "Abdul's current condition is critical, and he is in need of repatriation to a suitable facility outside of Afghanistan so that he can receive the required treatment urgently."

A GoFundMe page has been setup to try and raise funds for Abdul's treatment.

A spokesperson for the Government says, "We have sympathy for his situation. But the travel advice to New Zealanders travelling to Afghanistan is explicit, do not go.

"This is both because it is a dangerous war zone and because there is no support available on the ground."

The New Zealand Defence Force and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs say they are unable to help in this situation.

The GoFundMe campaign for Abdul has raised $3426 of its $50,000 goal at the time of writing.

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