BY SAMUEL NJINGA IN MASVINGO
Renowned medical surgeon, Dr. Noel Ralph Zulu (45), appeared before the Masvingo Magistrates Court yesterday facing charges of culpable homicide in connection with the death of a patient. The charges are laid under Section 49 of the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Act (Chapter 9:23).
The State, represented by public prosecutor Mike Tembo, alleges that Dr. Zulu negligently left a surgical gauze measuring 30cmx30cm inside the abdomen of Gladys Sibanda, a patient who underwent surgery sometime in 2015. This oversight is alleged to have caused a fatal infection that led to her death on 16 July last year.
According to court documents, the deceased fell ill in September 2015 and sought medical attention from Dr. Zulu at Masvingo Provincial Hospital. After a thorough examination, the doctor recommended that Sibanda undergo a CT scan, which revealed a swollen liver. Dr. Zulu subsequently suggested a surgical procedure, which was performed days later.
However, following the surgery, Sibanda’s condition worsened. She began experiencing chest pains and a swollen abdomen. Dr. Zulu performed a second surgical procedure in an attempt to address her deteriorating condition. Despite these efforts, Sibanda’s health continued to decline until she passed away at St Anthony Hospital at Zaka.
A post-mortem report conducted after her death revealed the presence of a retained surgical gauze in Sibanda’s abdomen, along with pus and other significant findings, including a shrunken, pale liver. The retained gauze is alleged to have caused the infection that ultimately led to her death.
The State argues that Dr. Zulu’s actions were negligent and unlawful, directly contributing to Sibanda’s death. The prosecutor highlighted that proper surgical protocols should have been followed to ensure no foreign objects were left inside the patient’s body.
Dr. Zulu, a qualified and experienced medical surgeon, maintains his innocence, stating that he acted within the professional standards of his practice. His defense team argues that there were multiple factors that contributed to the patient’s death, and that the presence of the surgical gauze was not solely responsible.
Presiding over the case is Provincial Magistrate Bishard Chineka, who is set to deliver his judgment next Wednesday. The outcome of this case has got a significant implication for medical practitioners in Zimbabwe as it sparks debate around medical negligence and accountability within the country`s healthcare system.