LIMPOPO – What should have been a day of reflection and hope turned into a sombre one for the family of the conjoined twins, as the Limpopo Provincial Government confirmed the death of one of the babies on Good Friday.

Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba and Health MEC Ms Dieketseng Mashego received a detailed medical update from the team treating the twins on the morning of Friday, April 3.

Ramathuba offers condolences to grieving mother

The provincial leadership has since extended condolences to the child’s mother and family during what it described as a deeply painful time.

Premier Ramathuba said: “We are deeply saddened by this heart-breaking loss. On behalf of the Limpopo Provincial Government and the people of our province, we extend our sincere and heartfelt condolences to the mother and the family. No parent should ever have to endure the pain of losing a child, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this profoundly difficult moment.”

Sepsis after complex separation surgery

According to the medical team, both infants developed severe sepsis following the highly complex separation procedure.

The condition, a serious infection that can affect multiple organs, was treated with antibiotics and inotropic support in the intensive care unit.

Despite extensive efforts by the multidisciplinary team of specialists, one of the babies, known as Twin A, died early on Friday morning due to multiple organ failure linked to the infection.

The provincial government said the mother had been kept informed throughout the process and had shown remarkable strength under the circumstances.

Support measures were put in place at the hospital to ensure a calm environment.

Surviving twin airlifted to Pretoria

Following a multidisciplinary clinical team meeting, and in consultation with Ramathuba and Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, it was recommended that the remaining twin, Twin B, be transferred to Steve Biko Central and Academic Hospital in Pretoria for continued care.

The baby was airlifted on Saturday, April 4.

“While the loss of Twin A has affected everyone, team Mankweng Hospital has been understandably deeply affected, hence it was critical to allow another team in a different and protected environment to continue with care,” the provincial government said. “This was done as a precautionary measure.”

The conjoined twins were successfully separated at Mankweng Hospital on March 17, following their birth on January 28. The highly complex procedure and the care of the twins since birth were managed by a multidisciplinary team led by Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo.

Premier raises concerns about visitors sneaking in

In an interview with eNCA, Premier Ramathuba suggested that the death of Twin A may have been caused by people sneaking in to visit them.

“While in an isolated ICU, we don’t know what could have happened. During that time, some people will be sneaking in and out, you don’t know,” she said.

“We don’t allow anyone to see the babies, except the attending clinicians. And unfortunately, sometimes the family want to come in, you don’t know.”

Government pledges ongoing support

The provincial government said it remains in close contact with both the medical team and the family and will continue to provide the necessary support.