THE tragic weekend murder of a LifeLine Zululand social worker has sent shock waves through the organisation’s ranks.
Zimbabwean national, Trust Chipunha, who was based at Melmoth, was stabbed twice on Friday night during a robbery that took place in the Loftheim flats area at Empangeni.
Chipunha (30) was declared dead at Ngwelezana Hospital after five hours after waiting to be rushed to Durban hospital for an emergency operation as there was allegedly no surgeon on standby at the hospital before Saturday morning.
According to a close relative, who asked not to be named, Chipunha was attacked by two suspects at about 7 pm after he had jumped off the taxi from work.
His relative reports that the two suspects demanded his cellphone and after handing it over to them they also demanded his bag, which had valuable documents such as his passport and work permit.
‘When he tried to resist they stabbed him,’ he said.
He explained that while he was at his house he received an SMS from one of his friends, Lighton, informing him that Trust had been stabbed.
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‘I quickly went out to look for him, but I couldn’t find him, I then phoned Lighton back to get the correct location and was given the number of a security guard who had phoned him.’
He explained they found Chipunha sitting outside the gate of one of the flats, bleeding from one stab wound to his neck and one on his back.
‘I quickly gave him a first aid before rushing him to the hospital for proper medical attention.
‘At the hospital they put drips on him as he had lost much blood. We learned there was no surgical doctor on standby at night at the hospital, and we then tried to arrange for him to be airlifted to
Durban but the pilot complained about the bad weather conditions.
‘We then organised an ambulance to rush him but when we checked on him again we discovered there was less life left in him due to his wounds.
‘The doctors tried to resuscitate him but he succumbed to death at about 12.45am.’
Tragic loss
LifeLine Zululand Director, Michelle Jewlal described Trust as a deeply spiritual man.
‘He was humble, always pleasant and committed to his work.
‘He was a true asset to our staff,’ said Jewlal, who added that Trust was always sending spiritual messages and uplifting words of encouragement to her and other colleagues.
‘He only graduated in August this year and his proud mother was there to witness it. He also has a brother and sister in South Africa,’ she said.
Trust was due to be part of LifeLine’s year-end function today (Monday).
Police spokesperson Mbongeni Mdlalose said a case of murder is under investigation at Empangeni Police Station and no arrest has yet been made.
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