The family of Katlego Ledwaba (16) and members of his football club in Zebediela, Limpopo, are blaming nurses at the local clinic for his death in February, accusing them of failing to treat the teen when he arrived there.
The youngster had complained of shortness of breath during practice at the club grounds – at around 5pm – before collapsing and losing consciousness, reports Montsho Matlala for Health-e News.
“He was driven to the clinic nearby by teammates and officials, who also sent word to the family. We immediately sent a relative to meet them at the clinic,” said Florence Ledwaba, Katlego’s grandmother.
Refused care
Donald Motaung, chairperson of Zebediela Black Pirates FC, said when they got to the clinic the nurses refused to examine Katlego, saying the clinic had already closed for the day.
“I then called an ambulance while our guys drove Katlego back to the playground to wait for them.”
But when the ambulance arrived, the paramedics said the teenager had already died.
Motaung blamed the nurses for refusing to administer first aid to Katlego.
Neil Shikwambana, spokesperson for the Limpopo Department of Health confirmed investigations were under way.
Lucky Phologolo, a community activist, said the Department should take responsibility.
“Now the department is promising that Mogoto clinic will offer 24-hour services soon. This is a good thing but why wait for something terrible to happen before the 24/7 services are implemented?”
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