Simon Masinga (69), a well-known community member in Ext.7 met his untimely death after collapsing in front of Mooirivier Pharmacy at about 10:30 on Tuesday morning.
One of the onlookers says he started vomiting blood when he collapsed.
Maserame Ramasike, a family member says it was heart-breaking to see their father die in public with everyone taking photos. ‘It would have been better if it had happened in private,’ she said.
‘We are disappointed that the pharmacy did not assist him. They have a doctor and a nurse in the pharmacy who could have assisted while we were waiting for an ambulance. They could have taken him into one of their rooms instead of leaving him there for the whole world to see,’ she said bitterly.
Mooirivier Pharmacy sent condolences to the family, saying it was tragic and traumatic for everyone, especially the family. ‘There was nothing we could do for him and that is why we called the ambulance,’ said Riekie, one of the staff members at the pharmacy.
According to WO Mpho Manyoba, the police spokesperson, the police arrived at the scene at about 11:05 and found the emergency services attending to the elderly man. ‘At 11:25, ER24 personnel declared him dead,’ she said. All the relevant personnel attended to the scene and handed the deceased over to the pathologist for a post-mortem.
Maserame says the old man had complained of a cough for months but had been taking medication for it.
‘He went to the clinic but they could not detect any TB. It was as if something was blocking his windpipe. That day, he had decided to get some medication from the pharmacy. He felt nauseous in the chemist and went outside to vomit. That was when he spewed blood and collapsed,’ she said.
Ramasike says the death took them by surprise. ‘We are sad about the way he left us,’ she said.
‘He was a loving father who always went the extra mile for his family. He was also strict and did not want trouble in the family. He stood for peace and wanted to resolve every dispute,’ she said.
Simon Masinga‘s funeral will take place in Ext. 7 next Saturday.
