Health Minister visits Mankweng hospital following death of one of conjoined twins

Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi is expected to visit Mankweng Hospital in Polokwane, Limpopo, following the death of one of the conjoined twin boys who were separated in a complex surgery at the facility.

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba, who visited the hospital earlier on Friday, confirmed the infant’s passing, saying he died from multiple organ failure.

The twins were born in January to a young family from the Mopani District.

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They were joined at the abdomen and shared vital organs, making their condition both rare and life-threatening.

Ramathuba said there had been hope the baby would recover after the procedure.

Her spokesperson, Thilivhali Muavha, said the provincial government is continuing to monitor the surviving twin and is providing support to the family.

"According to the medical team, following the highly complex and delicate surgical separation, both babies developed severe sepsis, a serious infection that can affect multiple organs. The team acted swiftly and provided the necessary treatment, including antibiotics and inotropic support in the intensive care unit," said Muavha.