An Insuza man is lucky to be alive after surviving a black mamba attack while on his way to evening prayers last Tuesday.
In an interview from his hospital bed at Mpilo, Mr Mthandazo Mbano recounted his ordeal revealing that he was fortunate to have got treatment fast or else he would have succumbed to the snake bite.
“This happened when I was coming from a neighbour’s homestead in Insuza, Matabeleland North province and we were going for evening prayers around 7pm, when I was attacked by a black mamba on my foot, we managed to locate and kill the snake. Fortunately, after the attack I immediately got transport that rushed me to the clinic in Mbembesi, just next to the stores in Insuza.
“When I got to the clinic they immediately called an ambulance for me that rushed me here at Mpilo Hospital (Bulawayo) where I received treatment. For me I believe it is fortunate that I managed to get treated very fast because I do not even want to think what could have happened to me if I delayed getting this treatment,” said Mr Mbano.
He paid tribute to Mpilo hospital officials who he said had been key in his treatment and recovery.
“I have now since been discharged, the nurses and doctors at Mpilo have been instrumental in my treatment and recovery. When I got here I could not even walk but now I can now walk although with a slight limp. Yes, there is the issue of costs but that is nothing when compared with one’s life, I can now continue working for my family,” said Mr Mbano.
