Limpopo doctor involved in murder-suicide remembered
Dr Mainfred Shikwambana is believed to have shot his wife, Tshimangadzo Muofhe before turning the gun on himself in Polokwane last week.
LIMPOPO – Doctors, nurses and the hospital board at Donald Fraser Hospital near Thohoyandou have described the late Dr Mainfred Shikwambana as a hardworking and intelligent colleague.
Ntakuseni Netshisaulu, the chairperson of the board said Shikwambana proved in many meetings his ideas that would ultimately take the hospital to higher levels of service delivery and excellence.
According to Netshisaulu, Shikwambana was a young and energetic doctor who was ready to bring about change, although he had just worked there for a short period prior to this death.
Netshisaulu was among those who spoke during the memorial service of Shikwambana, who had just been appointed as acting CEO from his earlier position of clinical manager, before his death.
Shikwambana and his wife, who is also a doctor, died under tragic circumstances in their home in Polokwane on March 27.
Read more: Polokwane doctor gunned down in murder-suicide incident
Shikwambana is believed to have shot his wife, Tshimangadzo Muofhe before turning the gun on himself. Muofhe, who was attached to the Pietersburg Provincial Hospital in Polokwane, was buried in Maniini block on Sunday.
Delivering the eulogy, Dr Valencia Xwazi, who also worked with the deceased, said his death came as shock.
“I remember my first day in this hospital, in June 2022, when we were welcomed in the boardroom, the former acting CEO would recognise you and appreciate the work you had done. We will carry on that same spirit and respond the same way he used to.”
Meanwhile, police in Polokwane have opened murder case and inquest, following the incident.
Limpopo police spokesperson, Brig Motlafela Mojapelo confirmed the incident in a security estate in Polokwane.
“The bodies of the deceased were reportedly found by family members, who arrived from Vhembe in the afternoon and police were then informed.”
He said preliminary police investigations revealed that the couple had had a domestic dispute.
The Department of Health said in a statement that it was saddened by the passing of the couple.
“This is a sad day for me and the entire department, we are devastated. Losing such hard working, dedicated and promising people is blow for us,” said the MEC, Dr Phophi Ramathuba.
