Kidney transplant patient dies after money raised online for her treatment was allegedly stolen

In a deeply saddening development, Ruth Hwara, who had been anxiously awaiting a life-saving kidney transplant, has passed away. 

The heartbreaking news was confirmed by influencer and entrepreneur Joey Nyikadzino on her Facebook page.

Nyikadzino shared the tragic news on Thursday, August 15, revealing that she had learned of Ruth’s de@th through a message in the Hwara family WhatsApp group. 

Expressing her condolences, she also issued a stark warning to those who had delayed Ruth’s treatment, suggesting they would face divine judgment.

“We just saw a message in the Hwara group that Ruth is no more. May her soul rest in peace. Zimbabwe wanted you to live and fulfill your dreams, but it was not to be. Whoever delayed Ruth’s treatment, may God deal with you,” Joey Nyikadzino wrote in her post.

Ruth Hwara’s de@th comes just a week after it was revealed that Tendai Chibwe, an Ecocash agent in Dzivarasekwa 4, had allegedly stolen US$13,000 in funds donated by well-wishers for her kidney transplant. Chibwe, 46, was granted bail for US$100 after appearing before Harare magistrate Simon Kandiyero on fraud charges. He is scheduled to return to court on September 26.

The situation began when Ruth’s uncle, Nigel Makono, turned to social media to raise the necessary funds for her urgent medical procedure. Donations were sent to Makono’s EcoCash account, which eventually reached its transaction limit, leading him to seek Chibwe’s assistance.

Chibwe is accused of deceiving Makono by promising the funds were available, but only handing over a small portion of the total amount. Makono reportedly made additional transfers amounting to US$13,000 but received only $1,100 from Chibwe, who then became evasive when asked about the remaining funds.

Ruth’s untimely de@th has left many grieving and questioning the circumstances surrounding the delay in her treatment.