The Masvingo Provincial Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr. Noel Ralph Zulu, is facing charges of culpable homicide following allegations that his negligence led to the death of a patient due to a surgical error.
According to The Mirror, Dr. Zulu, the only surgeon in Masvingo, appeared before Regional Magistrate Bishard Chineka on Wednesday, charged under Section 49 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act.
Prosecutors claim Dr. Zulu left a 30×30 cm piece of surgical gauze in the abdomen of his patient, Gladys Sibanda, during an operation in 2015.
The gauze reportedly remained in her body for eight years, leading to her death on July 15, 2023, after she collapsed at a ZANU PF rally in Zaka.
Surgical gauze is commonly used for wound care, infection prevention, and controlling bleeding during procedures. However, the retained gauze allegedly caused ongoing health issues for Sibanda, including chest pains and abdominal swelling.
ALSO READ : WATCH : CCC Happymore Chidziva In an Compromising Position with Minors Amid Rap* Allegations
Despite revisiting Dr. Zulu for further treatment, Sibanda was unable to afford the fees for a second surgery, according to the State’s account.