Ruth Hwara’s uncle accused of paying lobola using kidney transplant donations

Nigel Mukono, the uncle of Ruth Hwara, is charged with using kidney donations to pay lobola a few days after her passing.

On August 15, Ruth lost her life due to a renal condition. Zimbos donated tens of thousands of dollars in contributions for a transplant,  but couldn’t get the treatment.

Ruth needed a kidney transplant to save her life, so she started a GoFundMe page to gather money for the surgery. But it came out that Ecocash agent Tendai Chibwe had embezzled some of the money that had been contributed.

According to court documents, Chibwe misled Ruth’s uncle Nigel Makono, who was in charge of the money, by stating that the money was there but only giving him a tiny portion of the total.

Out of the US$13,000 transferred, he only gave Makono US$$1,100, leading to significant delays in Ruth’s medical treatment. This delay proved fatal, as Ruth passed away while still awaiting her transplant.

The case sparked outrage and grief across Zimbabwe. Influencers and public figures who supported the fundraising efforts expressed frustration over how Ruth’s family had gone quiet after receiving the donations.

ALSO READ: Kidney Transplant Patient Ruth Hwara Whose Donated Money Was Stolen By Ecocash Agent Dies

Chibwe, the Ecocash agent, was arrested and charged with fraud but was released on US$100 bail.

Influencers who mobilised the public to donate money for Ruth’s kidney transplant are seething after it emerged that her Uncle, Nigel Makono, got married recently. They accused him of using Ruth’s kidney money to pay lobola and start a car-selling business.

Pictures circulating online show Makono smartly dressed in a suit, his wife in hand as bridesmaids looked on.

Joey Nyikadzino, one of the people central in the fundraising, wailed on Facebook:

“But 80k here team?? Nigel haana kudya ega hake, pane parikutsengwa mapoints!! We shall get it.”

Pamerah Tamilah complained:

“Nigel Makono akatonoroora hake ne mari ya Ruth. Izvezvi arikuita business remota. Mukadzi wake Jane aritori ku China arikuhodha Izvezvi akavhura ma shops.”

People on social media reacted to revelations that Makono got married barely a week after Ruth’s death using her kidney donations.

Mai Moyo:

“Chisi hachieri musi wacharimwa Nigel.”

Charity:

“Such foundation don’t usually last. God is not dead. He’s alive.”

Moreboys:

“The entire family is involved.”

Zvisi:

“This will end in tears. I know Karma is watching right now. RIP Ruth.”

Garisikai:

“Cursed marriage and it will end in tears. Let the dead fight for her share of life.”