Family appeals for assistance to look after triplets

A family from Bulawayo's Pumula East suburb is appealing for assistance in cash and kind to take care of its triplets.

The family said it was struggling to raise the triplets.

The triplets, two boys and a girl, were born two months premature on 17 December last year at Mpilo Central Hospital.

The mother of the triplets, Ms Sitholile Nkomo, spoke to Chronicle about her dilemma, saying throughout her pregnancy she was not aware she was carrying triplets.

Ms Nkomo said the day before she went into labour she had gone for a scan and was told she had twins.

"I thought I was going to have one child. When I went  for a scan on 16 December I was told I was going to have twins, but when I gave birth there were now triplets," said Ms Nkomo.

She said she did not know what to do as she has two other children to look after.

"I have two children, one in Grade 7 and the other in  Grade 5. Life has become difficult as I do not know how  I will feed these children," said Ms Nkomo.

Ms Nkomo and her husband, Mr Ian Mlilo, are unemployed.

Ms Nkomo appealed to well-wishers to help them in whatever way.

"We need things like baby milk, nappies and clothes  for the children.

"I used to sell vegetables at the shops but now I cannot as I had an operation. My husband was a kombi driver  plying the Bulawayo-Nkayi route, the vehicle has since broken down and is now out of employment,"  she said.

Ms Nkomo said those who wish to donate could come  to House Number 8523 Pumula East or contact her on mobile number 0713 007 794.