Murewa Boy Simbarashe Dande (11) Dies Following Tumour Surgery

Murewa Boy Simbarashe Dande (11) Dies Following Tumour Surgery – Hope for Zimbabwe Children has announced the death of 11-year-old Simbarashe Dande, who passed away on 16 June 2026 following a lengthy battle with maxillofacial osteosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer affecting the facial bones.

Simbarashe died after undergoing a major tumour removal operation at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare. The surgery was conducted between 4 and 5 March 2026, after which he was transferred to Arundel Hospital for post-operative care while awaiting further medical intervention.

According to reports, he remained under sedation following the procedure and never regained consciousness.

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The young boy’s medical challenges began in 2017 when he was diagnosed with maxillofacial osteosarcoma. Over the years, the tumour expanded significantly, affecting the entire upper jaw and causing severe complications, including upper airway obstruction.

In February 2019, doctors in South Africa performed a tracheostomy to assist his breathing, a procedure that became a permanent part of his treatment. Later that year, he underwent surgery to remove part of the tumour and subsequently received seven cycles of chemotherapy between April and July 2019.

However, medical assessments reportedly showed little improvement, with the tumour continuing to grow aggressively.

As Simbarashe’s condition deteriorated, efforts were made to secure specialised treatment both locally and internationally. Consultations were conducted with medical specialists in South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom and other countries.

Medical experts reportedly advised that the surgery required was highly specialised and complex.

Hope for Zimbabwe Children said campaigner Violet Makunike played a central role in seeking treatment options for Simbarashe and helping facilitate his medical care over several years. After extensive consultations, a treatment proposal was obtained from the Mayo Clinic in the United States, where specialists estimated that surgery and related treatment would cost approximately US$235,656.

Fundraising efforts were launched to raise the required amount. However, disagreements later emerged regarding the management of the fundraising campaign and the proposed treatment pathway.

According to Violet Makunike, content creator Stephen Buzhu allegedly sought control of the GoFundMe campaign established for Simbarashe’s treatment and disagreed with the proposed overseas treatment plan.

“On 4 February 2026, Stephen Buzhu contacted me and demanded control of the GoFundMe campaign that had been established to raise funds for Simbarashe’s treatment. I advised him that Simbarashe’s condition was extremely complex and required highly specialised surgeons, which was the reason I had pursued treatment options at Mayo Clinic after consultations with various hospitals and specialists, including medical teams in Kenya,” said Makunike.

She further alleged that Buzhu rejected her advice and later launched a campaign against her involvement in the fundraising initiative.

“Stephen rejected my advice, ended the conversation abruptly and subsequently began a smear campaign criticising my involvement in Simbarashe’s fundraising efforts. I was also allegedly harassed by individuals supporting his position. All this was for personal content creation and political gain,” she alleged.

Makunike said the dispute ultimately influenced the direction of Simbarashe’s treatment.

“Despite extensive efforts to secure specialised international treatment, Simbarashe ultimately underwent surgery at Parirenyatwa Hospital. I remain deeply saddened that the treatment pathway we had pursued was never realised before his death,” she said.

A defamation lawsuit against Buzhu has reportedly been filed at the High Court.

Hope for Zimbabwe Children said Makunike possesses extensive medical documentation relating to Simbarashe’s case and maintains that he required highly specialised medical intervention that was not available locally.

The organisation said the circumstances surrounding the fundraising campaign and treatment decisions remain a source of pain and controversy among those who supported Simbarashe throughout his medical journey.

However, Hope for Zimbabwe Children noted that what remains undisputed is the courage the young boy displayed throughout his illness.

“For seven years, Simbarashe endured the daily challenges of living with a life-threatening illness. Despite the pain and difficulties he faced, he remained a symbol of courage and resilience to many people who followed his story,” the organisation said.

“Today, Zimbabwe has lost a brave young boy whose determination touched countless lives at home and abroad. His passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his family, friends, caregivers, well-wishers, donors and all those who prayed for his recovery over the years.”

The organisation extended its condolences to Simbarashe’s family and paid tribute to his fighting spirit.