The family of Ruth Hwara, a 24-year-old University of Zimbabwe graduate who recently passed away, has publicly blamed online criticism and the misappropriation of funds for her death. Hwara, who had been battling Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), died after a short but intense struggle with her condition, exacerbated by the mishandling of donations meant for her life-saving kidney transplant.
Ruth Hwara, diagnosed with CKD shortly after completing her studies in December 2022, had relied on dialysis while awaiting a kidney transplant. Her situation attracted widespread public sympathy, leading to a fundraising campaign to cover the estimated $30,000 cost of the procedure in India. Reports indicated that over $70,000 was raised, but the campaign faced a devastating blow when it was discovered that an Ecocash agent had stolen $13,000 from the funds.
Ruth Hwara’s family has placed significant blame on the online community for their daughter’s deteriorating health. According to a relative speaking to Zimbo Live TV, the negative comments and accusations surrounding the misappropriated funds had a severe emotional impact on Ruth.
“Pakatanga Ruth kuzoita worse kurwara, akatanga atoona zvakandwa pa social media about her. Then hutano hwake hwakatanga kudzikira because aiona,” the relative explained. “She had her phone. Saka tiri kutoti ve social media vakabatsiridza. Because imagine ndini ndiri kurwara ndiri kuona zviri kutaurwa pa social media. Ndine hunhu hwandinofana kunyarwa nahwo, ndine respect yandinotarisira. Ndiri kungotaurwa pa social media apa ndiri kurwara. Ndipo paakazoita stroke yekupedzisira because akange asuffer a lot from social media.”
The family claims that the harsh online scrutiny and accusations contributed to Ruth’s worsening condition, culminating in a final stroke. They argue that the negative environment significantly affected her mental and emotional state, exacerbating her physical health issues. The funds raised for Ruth’s transplant were meant to provide her with a new lease on life. However, the theft of $13,000 by an Ecocash agent, alongside the additional stress from online criticism, created a perfect storm of misfortune. Despite the generous contributions from the public, Ruth was unable to travel to India for her transplant and succumbed to her illness on August 15.
The scandal has sparked outrage and disappointment, not only because of the theft but also due to the failure to provide Ruth with the critical medical care she needed. The incident has highlighted serious issues regarding the management and security of charitable donations, as well as the impact of public criticism on individuals in distress.
Ruth Hwara’s passing is a tragic reminder of the importance of compassion and proper management in fundraising efforts. Her family’s plea underscores the need for greater sensitivity and support for individuals facing severe health challenges. As the community processes this heartbreaking news, there is a call for reflection on the role of online discourse and its potential impact on individuals’ well-being. Ruth’s story, marked by both generosity and tragedy, remains a poignant example of the consequences of mismanagement and the human cost of public scrutiny.
In other news – Matthew Perry’s death leads to charges against five, including medical professionals and assistant
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