Young Mother Stabbed by Rival Vendor Over Sales, Family Faces Desperate Struggle

SANTA CRUZ, Bolivia – A young fruit vendor, a mother, is now bedridden after being stabbed by a fellow vendor at the Barriolindo fair, allegedly due to a dispute over sales. The incident has left her family in a dire situation, struggling to cope with medical expenses and loss of income. The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, recounted the harrowing experience: "We were selling, and we fought over a spot. She just grabbed a knife and stabbed me." The attack, which occurred last Saturday, has left her unable to walk or work. "I can't work now because I feel bad. I need prescriptions and money to pay for them," she stated from her bed. Her husband, who used to sell windshield wipers, is now forced to stay home to care for his injured wife and their young daughter. "I have to be attending to her, taking care of this. I have to go buy prescriptions, move from here to there. I can't leave her alone because she can't move. I have to take care of her. Yes, I have a daughter too that I have to take care of," he explained, highlighting the family's immediate challenges. The fruits they rely on for income are now spoiling. The couple had been saving money in a piggy bank for their daughter's birthday, but they had to break it to cover urgent medical costs. "I'm left with nothing. I pawned my refrigerator, the TV, my gas cylinder, everything. I borrowed money too," the victim lamented. Fellow vendors at the fair expressed their shock and solidarity. "It's very ugly. Ugly it is. We don't live with hooligans here. Only a hooligan can grab a knife. She shouldn't do that. How can she do that to the poor girl?" one vendor commented, emphasizing that there is enough space for all vendors. They expressed fear that such an incident could happen to them. Authorities reportedly released the alleged aggressor due to insufficient evidence, a decision that has left the victim feeling a profound lack of justice. The family is now appealing to the public for assistance as they face an uncertain future with no income and mounting medical needs. Police and the Prosecutor's Office are expected to provide further updates on the case.