Woman rescued by health MEC dies

2011-01-05 14:44

Durban - The woman whom KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo stopped his convoy to help after she was found badly wounded, has died, the health department said on Wednesday.

On Monday, Dhlomo - who is also a medical doctor - stopped his convoy to help the woman who was found next to a stream in Mpumazi in Eshowe.

The convoy with Dhlomo and the province's traditional affairs MEC Nomusa Dube was headed for Mpumazi in Eshowe to visit the families of seven people killed by lightning.

Community members had rescued the woman when they heard her cries coming from the stream.

Dhlomo assisted a paramedic who was helping the woman.

Shot in cheek and chest

The woman was in her 30s and had been shot in her cheek and chest.

Dhlomo said it was clear that the woman had been shot at close range. She was rushed to eShowe hospital.

“Doctors and nurses at the hospital tried to save her life and she died two hours later. At the time of her death she had not been identified,” said Dhlomo.

He said he hoped police would be able to identify the woman and be able to contact her family.

“We also hope that the people she had visited would come forward. Our thoughts and prayers are with the grieving at this sad time," said Dhlomo.

- SAPA