Chronicle Editor
Whinsley Masara, Chronicle Reporter
TWO more Tsholotsho accident victims died over the weekend, bringing the death toll to 23.
Bhonimah Nkomo (43) of Lupanda village in Lupane who was admitted in the Intensive Care Unit at Mpilo Central Hospital last Wednesday, died in the early hours of Saturday, while Mphethisi Luphahla (43) died on Sunday.
The two were involved in an accident in which 15 people died on the spot after the driver of a truck they were travelling in failed to negotiate a curve at the 35KM peg along the Tsholotsho-Sipepa Road near Jimila Centre on December 2 resulting in the vehicle overturning.
Six more died upon admission to Tsholotsho District Hospital.
The accident victims were among 69 people who were coming from Nkayi to Tsholotsho to undertake an anti-malaria spraying exercise in Matabeleland North province.
Mpilo Central Hospital acting Clinical Director Dr Xolani Ndlovu confirmed Nkomo and Luphahla’s deaths.
“Nkomo who was in ICU since last Wednesday didn’t make it, while Luphahla developed gangrene on his right arm when he was due to be discharged. We are yet to receive confirmation of what really caused his death,” he said.
Nkomo was initially mistaken as having been among the six who died on admission to Tsholotsho District Hospital last week after his name appeared on the list of deceased persons.
After two days, it was discovered that he was among those admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital, bringing relief to his family, only for him to die a week later.
Nkomo’s aunt, Mrs Thelma Gumbo of Makokoba suburb, said her nephew had died a second death.
“He was initially declared dead and we had cried our hearts out, only to then discover after two days that he wasn’t actually dead but was admitted to Mpilo Central Hospital.
“I received a phone call from one of his sisters who had been phoned by Tsholotsho District Hospital officials who said Nkomo was the first to have been certified dead among the six who died upon admission,” she said.
Mrs Gumbo said family and friends had initially gathered for a funeral wake, but later received a message that he was alive.
“I informed neighbours and relatives and gathered for a funeral wake. On Sunday afternoon, two men came here and said Bhonimah had kindly asked that they personally deliver a message to me that he was in hospital and we should come see him.
“In shock and disbelief, we trembled and went to the hospital and thank God we found him. He was even speaking and told us that he was in so much pain. We are still clueless about what really transpired but we believe he died and was later discovered alive. This is a miracle and we praise the Lord,” she said.
Sadly, Mrs Nkomo said, one week later he died.
Nkomo was buried yesterday at West Park cemetery.
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