NTOMBOXOLO MFANA

● The family of Ntomboxolo Mfana, who died at the age of 69, want answers from the doctor who treated her and the Eastern Cape health department.

Her son, Thobela, said Mfana went for a checkup at a local doctor on April 6 after being bitten by a dog. Three days later, health officials called the doctor’s patients for testing because he had Covid-19.

Mfana was only traced on April 20, and her test results took a further five days. She was hospitalised, and died three days later.

Mfana’s 80-year-old husband, Mzimkhulu, and two grandchildren aged 13 and 5, now also have the virus. Her grandsons were hospitalised as her family prepared for her funeral in Mamata village, outside King William’s Town.

Returning from digging his mother’s grave, Thobela, dressed in white overalls, old disposable gloves and a mask, said they were given three days to bury their mother.

“Only my sister was allowed to identify her body. I will never see her smiling face again. I don’t know who is going to take care of my sick father, son and nephew.”

Thobela said he asked his mother to get tested for Covid-19 after finding out on social media that the doctor had tested positive. The provincial tracing team found her at the clinic waiting to be tested.

He now fears that his mother, father and son may have infected other villagers.

“After her visit to the doctor she had a number of visitors. My son was playing outside. After my mother’s death some villagers came to our house for a prayer,” he said. “We have since stopped them.”