adminSukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
A SENIOR resident of Plumtree and prominent businessman Samuel Chiliwa Dumani has died.
He was 65.Dumani, popularly known in Plumtree as Dumms, succumbed to liver cancer.
He was running Dumms Palace Restaurant and Dumms Bar in Plumtree. He was also operating a cross border transport company plying the Plumtree-Johannesburg route.
His eldest son, Sipho, described the death of his father as a huge blow to the family.
“We’re still trying to come to terms with the death of my father. He was ill but his condition worsened within a short space of time and he died unexpectedly. Somehow we hoped that he would pull through,” said Dumani.
Dumms died on Friday, May 9, at United Bulawayo Hospital.
“My father was diagnosed with liver cancer in January. He was staying in South Africa where he was receiving his treatment. He came home recently and his condition worsened on Thursday morning last week.
“He was hospitalised on the same day in Plumtree and was transferred to UBH where he passed away. It was painful as we had to watch as his condition deteriorated but nothing could be done to save him,” said Dumani.
He added: “My father taught us a great lesson to respect and give back to the community. He was a good role model to us and we will always emulate his works of being a humble and considerate man.”
Dumms has been hailed by residents for his significant contributions towards the town’s development.
The councillor of Hebron area, Paulos Hobane, said: “Dumms has done a lot towards infrastructural development in this town. He participated in developing this community by donating to schools and even to underprivileged people.
“His death comes as a huge loss not only to the ward but to the whole town. He’s one of the few Diasporians who heeded the call for them to develop their communities in the country. To Plumtree residents he is really an icon to be emulated.”
Dumms is survived by wife, Nonzima, five children and six grandchildren.
He was buried in Plumtree on Saturday last week.
Online Reporter