Staff Reporter
The Free State Department of Health has named the first person to succumb to COVID-19 in the province as John Hlangeni.
The man passed on yesterday at Pelonomi Hospital in Bloemfontein.
In a statement, provincial health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi said the department got the family’s consent to publish the name of the deceased.
“Mr Hlangeni succumbed . . . whilst being treated at our health facility,” he said in the statement which also revised Hlangeni’s age to 85 from the initial 86.
“As it is, it has been explained before that the effects of COVID- are more severe in older persons and also to those having other underlying causes,” he added.
Health MEC Montseng Tsiu has sent her condolences to the Hlangeni family and the Global Reconciliation Church (GRC) from where Hlangeni served.
“I send my condolences and wish strength to the family and everyone associated with Ntate Hlangeni who is revered for having planted many churches in his lifetime. We wish his loved ones strength and courage during these trying times,” Tsiu said.
The provincial government is expected to announce regulations to be followed for funeral arrangements in line with COVID-19 rules and procedures.
The GRC recently issued an urgent notice for its members to come forward for screening and testing for COVID-19 after one of its pastors tested positive.
The Bloemanda-based church said Apostle Mohau Rammile tested positive to the coronavirus after attending a religious conference at the Divine Restoration Church earlier this month.