Blame placed on healthcare failures after teen dies outside clinic, calls made for improved emergency response

EMALAHLENI — Hlelokuhle Fakude (15), a Grade 10 learner from Zacheus Malaza Secondary School, died outside a clinic in Empumelelweni on Sunday, 09 May 2026, after residents allegedly struggled to access emergency medical assistance.

According to community members, the learner was taken to the local clinic in need of urgent medical attention. However, residents claim there were delays in securing assistance and efforts to get timely intervention were unsuccessful.

An eyewitness said she found Fakude at around 08:00 while on her way to buy bread and noticed that she was struggling to stand.

“I saw her early in the morning when I was going to buy bread. She was shaking and falling. I ran home to call my mother and tell her what I had seen,” said the witness.

Residents reportedly attempted to transport her to Empumelelweni Community Health Centre using a wheelbarrow due to a lack of transport. However, upon arrival, they allegedly found the clinic closed and were reportedly directed to Siphosensimbi Clinic instead.

Community activist Abongile Mcoki said residents struggled to access emergency services and were unaware that the clinic was no longer operating on a 24-hour basis.

Attempts to contact emergency services were reportedly unsuccessful, with calls allegedly going unanswered or being disconnected. Mcoki said she later contacted police for assistance.

“I called someone at the police station and asked them to help us. The police said they would use a van to fetch the ambulance. While they were waiting outside the clinic, the child died,” she said. The family said they are still seeking answers about what happened. “We do not have full details of what happened. The child did not get help because the clinic was closed, and the ambulance arrived very late,” said the deceased’s uncle, Themba Fakude. The family only became aware of the incident after videos circulated on social media. Responding to questions from Highveld Chronicle, Chris Nobela from the Mpumalanga Department of Health Communication Directorate said the clinic had not operated on a 24-hour basis for more than two years due to security concerns following robberies. He said patients are redirected to Siphosensimbi Clinic, which is situated within 2km of the area. “Crime in Emalahleni is affecting the provision of healthcare services,” Nobela said.

The incident has sparked anger among residents, who are calling for improved emergency response systems, clearer communication regarding clinic operating hours and better access to healthcare services in the area.