‘Painful Good Friday’: One Limpopo conjoined twin dies after separation surgery

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba. Picture: X / @PhophiRamathuba One of the conjoined twins successfully separated at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital in Polokwane has died, Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba confirmed on Friday, 3 April 2026. The twin boys were born on 28 January joined at the abdomen.

They were separated during a complex surgical procedure on 17 March 2026. Although doctors initially reported the operation as a success, signs of infection developed after the surgery. Speaking during amedia briefing, Ramathuba indicated that one of the infants died after developing sepsis, which led to multiple organ failure.

“It is supposed to be a Good Friday, but it’s not a good one for us. It is indeed a painful and sad one. “You would note that we were looking forward to our babies to grow and we were going to be there for them to make sure that they become men and who would be successful in life,” she said.

[paywall]

She explained that the period following surgery is particularly dangerous for newborns, who are highly susceptible to infection. “Most of our neonates succumbed to death as a result of sepsis. “Every post-op, the first two weeks are very critical, especially when it comes to caring with the risk of infections, even for us as adults,” Ramathuba told reporters.

[/paywall]