Dramatic Kombi Delivery: Woman gives birth to baby boy during city-bound journey
In an extraordinary turn of events, a woman from Dangamvura had an unforgettable experience during her morning commute when she unexpectedly gave birth to a baby boy inside a packed kombi headed towards Sakubva District Hospital. Ms Patricia Chitsa, accompanied by her husband, Mr Knowledge Nyasha, had intended to visit the hospital for a routine antenatal care check-up when nature took an unexpected course.
The incredible delivery unfolded as the kombi, filled with passengers, made its way towards the hospital. Ms Chitsa suddenly went into labour, prompting her to cry out for assistance. The alert passengers immediately urged the driver to stop the vehicle, leading to an impromptu midwifery session near Sakubva Swimming Pool.
A pre-teen girl, coincidentally on her way to holiday lessons, bravely took on the role of assisting in the delivery. With the support of the passengers and onlookers, she successfully received the newborn and handed him to her mother, eliciting joyous reactions from those present.
Despite the unexpected circumstances, the delivery proceeded smoothly, resulting in the safe arrival of baby Tawanda. Ms Chitsa, who was still two months away from her expected due date, expressed her surprise and apprehension. She had never anticipated going into labour that day, assuming she would receive medical attention and return home to await her scheduled delivery in February.
Recalling the event later at Sakubva District Hospital, Ms Chitsa shared her dramatic experience, expressing gratitude that both she and her newborn were in good health. The “Yellowbone” kombi crew, recognizing the urgency of the situation, swiftly altered their route and rushed Ms Chitsa and her baby to the hospital.
“I was feeling unwell and wanted to see a doctor. I never thought that I would deliver the baby that morning. I thought they would attend to me at the hospital, allow me to go back home and wait for delivery until February. On our way to the hospital, I suddenly felt the baby coming. I was shocked and scared at the same time. I asked for help. The other passengers were very kind, and they asked the driver to stop the vehicle,” she said.
Ms Chitsa said she was overjoyed when her baby was pronounced healthy at the hospital.
The baby’s father, Mr Nyasa, said he was grateful to the kombi crew and other passengers for helping his wife to deliver their baby.
“Had they not been alert and quick, maybe we could have lost the baby. I would like to thank the kombi crew and fellow passengers for their swift reaction,” he said.
An elated “Yellowbone” kombi conductor, Mr Frank Manjeese said: “The nurses told us that the baby and his mother were healthy after examining them at Sakubva District Hospital. We refunded the couple their fare. We gave them the money as a push gift because we saw it as a blessing that the baby boy was born in our kombi.
“They blessed our kombi, and we believe that 2024 will be a be blessed year for us.”
Mr Ronald Ngondonga who was driving the kombi, said he was still in shock as he had never seen a woman give birth before.
“I am not usually the driver of this kombi. I am the crew’s supervisor, but I decided to take over and drive it for that trip. I was not aware that there was a pregnant woman in the vehicle. I was shocked when other passengers shouted for me to stop as we approached Sakubva Swimming Pool. The passengers shouted that there was a woman in labour. At first I thought it was a joke.
When I stopped and looked back, I saw the woman delivering her baby. A brave pre-teen girl who was on her way to holiday lessons received the baby,” said Mr Ngongonda.
The kombi’s actual driver, Mr Walter Mahwite, who was seated near Ms Chitsa, said his jacket had to be used to receive and wrap the baby.
“The woman boarded the kombi together with her husband, but she did not show any signs of labour pain. We hope that this baby will one day remember us and come back to us as his ‘godfathers’,” said the man with a beaming smile.
Another passenger, who was present during the incident, Mr Tinotenda Maroso, said he is yet to get over the incident.
“I am still stunned about the whole incident. We were in the kombi when the woman asked to disembark. Before we could do anything, we suddenly heard a baby crying. It was both scary and exciting to witness the drama,” said Mr Maroso.
The incident serves as a testament to the compassion and resourcefulness displayed by ordinary individuals in the face of unexpected circumstances. It will undoubtedly be a story that Ms Chitsa, her family, and the passengers and crew of the “Yellowbone” kombi will remember for years to come.
