Mthembu’s doctor dies in Netcare helicopter crash

The whole of Netcare falls silent as we bow our heads in tribute, respect, love and in memory of our fallen colleagues and front-line heroes who have died in the line of duty.

Netcare statement

Dr Kgopotso Rudolph Mononyane, doctor of the late minister in the presidency Jackson Mthembu, died in the Netcare helicopter crash on Thursday, Health Minister Zweli Mkhize said.

“One of the doctors who passed away in the crash was actually called by a friend to come and assist Jackson Mthembu during the difficult times.

“Dr Rudolf was an anaesthetist. They did everything to support Mthembu. On his way out he met a fatal accident,” Mkhize told eNCA on Thursday.

A Netcare 911 helicopter crashed near Bergville, KwaZulu-Natal, claiming the lives of all on board on Thursday.

Netcare identified the victims as Dr Mononyane, Dr Curnick Siyabonga Mahlangu, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and Mpho Xaba, a specialist theatre nurse for cardiothoracic and transplant.

They were all from Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg.

Sinjin Joshua Farrance, an advanced life support paramedic, and the pilot of the helicopter, Mark Stoxreiter, also died in the crash.

“There are no words adequate to describe our sense of enormous loss and grief at this terrible time.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time.

“We are shocked beyond words at the tragic loss of these healthcare heroes,” Netcare said.

“The whole of Netcare falls silent as we bow our heads in tribute, respect, love and in memory of our fallen colleagues and front-line heroes who have died in the line of duty.”

The team were on their way to Hillcrest, outside Durban, to transport a critically ill patient to Netcare Milpark Hospital when the helicopter crashed in Bergville in the KZN Midlands.

Netcare 911 managing director Craig Grindell said the victims’ next of kin had all been notified.

“On behalf of Netcare and Netcare 911 management and staff, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the families of our colleagues.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time,” said Grindell.

The SA Civil Aviation Authority sent a team to the scene. –