Munyaradzi Doma
The Harare City Council will probe broadcaster and socialite Zororo Makamba’s death following his family’s scathing attack on authorities.
Makamba became the first Zimbabwean to succumb to the COVID-19 diseases and his families accused hospital authorities of neglect and ill-treating their relative.
In a statement, the Harare City Council said Mayor Hebert Gomba will also meet the Makamba family to discuss the matter.
“The investigation follows comments by the Makamba family over allegations of impropriety in the manner the patient was handled.
“In the meantime, His Worship Harare Mayor Cllr Herbert Gomba has undertaken to meet the Makamba family to hear them out and address any pertinent issues arising from the events.”
It added: “Council takes this opportunity to advise stakeholders that despite Wilkins Hospital being a council facility, during times of crisis and strife like this one – our institution comes under the direct management of government.”
Council, however, said its facilities including Wilkins and Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital were designed to cater for primary health care with complicated cases being referred to referral hospitals.
“Ordinarily our clinics and hospitals therefore do not have some of the equipment needed for complicated issues,” the statement said.
Council also call for all stakeholders to work together to contain the virus.
The municipality also revealed that they are currently self-funding its fight against the spread of virus.
“Currently the city is funding all activities around the pandemic which include contact tracing, case management, risk communication. Council has had to virement funds from other votes to support the COVID-19 fight.”
Wilkins Hospital is currently undergoing US$100 000 renovations funded by the Chinese business people.
Zimbabwe has so far recorded three cases of Covid-19 and Makamba is the only person so far who succumbed to it.
As part of measures to curb the virus, Government announced new measures which include banning of public gatherings of more than 50 people.
Borders will be closed to human traffic except to returning residents and cargo.
Returning residents will also go through a mandatory 21-day quarantine.
