News / National
Body of toddler disappears at Chitungwiza central hospital
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Officials at Chitungwiza Central Hospital have launched an internal investigation following the mysterious disappearance of the body of an eight-month-old baby, Emmanuel Charindapanze, who had been taken to the hospital for treatment.
Emmanuel's parents, Shamiso Nyause and Givemore Charindapanze, were left devastated after they could not locate their child's body when they returned to the hospital to collect it for burial.
In a statement issued to the media, the hospital's public relations officer, Audrey Tasanarwo, confirmed the launch of a board of inquiry to determine the circumstances that led to the body going missing.
"The circumstances leading to the missing body are not known, however, the hospital has instituted a board of inquiry to find out what transpired," said Tasanarwo.
She emphasized that the hospital is fully cooperating with police investigations and committed to keeping the public informed as more information becomes available.
"We appeal for accurate reporting and respect for the bereaved family's privacy during this difficult time," she added.
Tasanarwo also clarified misinformation that had been circulating about a hospital employee arrested in connection with the case. She stated that Munashe Ganyiwa, 32, who is currently in police custody, is not a nurse as earlier reported, but a mortuary attendant.
Providing insight into hospital procedures, Tasanarwo explained the process followed when a patient dies at the facility.
"When a patient dies in the ward, the nurse notifies the doctor, who certifies the death and completes the required documentation," she said. "The nurse then performs the last office procedure, which includes preparing the body and completing the paperwork before notifying the mortuary staff."
She stressed that from this point, responsibility shifts from clinical staff to mortuary personnel.
"The body is transferred to the mortuary by a mortuary attendant, not by a nurse," she clarified, addressing the public confusion surrounding staff roles.
According to Tasanarwo, Ganyiwa was not on duty when the baby passed away on Saturday. She only resumed duty on Monday, when she was assigned to prepare and send unclaimed or designated infant bodies for incineration.
As the investigation continues, the hospital reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process in uncovering the truth behind the heartbreaking incident.
Emmanuel's parents, Shamiso Nyause and Givemore Charindapanze, were left devastated after they could not locate their child's body when they returned to the hospital to collect it for burial.
In a statement issued to the media, the hospital's public relations officer, Audrey Tasanarwo, confirmed the launch of a board of inquiry to determine the circumstances that led to the body going missing.
"The circumstances leading to the missing body are not known, however, the hospital has instituted a board of inquiry to find out what transpired," said Tasanarwo.
She emphasized that the hospital is fully cooperating with police investigations and committed to keeping the public informed as more information becomes available.
"We appeal for accurate reporting and respect for the bereaved family's privacy during this difficult time," she added.
Providing insight into hospital procedures, Tasanarwo explained the process followed when a patient dies at the facility.
"When a patient dies in the ward, the nurse notifies the doctor, who certifies the death and completes the required documentation," she said. "The nurse then performs the last office procedure, which includes preparing the body and completing the paperwork before notifying the mortuary staff."
She stressed that from this point, responsibility shifts from clinical staff to mortuary personnel.
"The body is transferred to the mortuary by a mortuary attendant, not by a nurse," she clarified, addressing the public confusion surrounding staff roles.
According to Tasanarwo, Ganyiwa was not on duty when the baby passed away on Saturday. She only resumed duty on Monday, when she was assigned to prepare and send unclaimed or designated infant bodies for incineration.
As the investigation continues, the hospital reiterated its commitment to transparency and due process in uncovering the truth behind the heartbreaking incident.
Source - the herald
