Charles Mapalume, stage name Marabha, was admitted at Harare Hospital’s Ward B7 last Tuesday but died early today at 4 a.m. due to severe malnutrition, leaving Prince Ngoni Kelvin profoundly distraught as they shared a bed for two weeks while suffering together but without enough care or attention given to them that may have saved Marabha.
“My heart bleeds for Marabha; she died around 4 a.m. this morning,” said Prince Ngoni Kelvin who has yet to fully recover from illness himself.
Kelvin was also admitted to the same hospital. Seeing no visitors come by to bring food or offer support, Kelvin shared some of his food with Marabha after realising no visitors came in her behalf. Every morning when Kelvin would wake up he’d ask, ‘Sahwira wagu? Tikudyei?’ and both could laugh despite feeling pained together,” recalls Kelvin with regretful nostalgia.
Marabha’s situation was dire due to financial concerns; only his sister visited with minimal aid and support, according to Kelvin’s account of Marabha’s stay at hospital: only nurses saw him, with neither friends or food available – Kelvin found this statement heart-wrenching as it broke with emotion in his voice.
Marabha’s health continued to deteriorate over time. Unable to eat or walk independently, doctors discharged him without an effective care plan in place; Kelvin inquired as to the next steps for Marabha, but they provided little help.
“When I asked the doctors where he’d go after being discharged, they didn’t seem sure, as his condition was such that even going to the toilet required assistance,” says Kelvin.
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Marabha was experiencing severe financial strain when her sister came to visit, only to be informed she owed $100 to arrange her brother’s release from incarceration.
Kelvin pitched in by giving $20 and asking his sister-in-law to collect up the rest so he could help his brother out of trouble.
Kelvin described how Marabha had died with the wish to be seen, heard, and loved – an aspiration which remains with them today. “Marabha passed on with that desire unfulfilled.”
Kelvin mourns Marabha’s passing deeply: the two had formed an indelible connection during their hospital stays together. Kelvin laments: “In you I found a brother whom I loved and cared for so dearly… My heart breaks knowing I won’t be at your funeral; this hurts deeply my friend.
Kelvin concluded his tribute with one final word for Marabha: “Rest in peace, Marabha. Your legacy may have been difficult, but I will remember you always.
