Neurologist and retired politician George Nga Mtafu died at Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre on Tuesday after sustaining injuries in a road accident along the Chileka Road.
Former president Bakili Muluzi and Minister of Information, Tourism and Civic Education Jappie Mhango have since expressed shock at the death of Mtafu who was serving as chief technical adviser in the Ministry of Health.
Said Mhango: “I am not sure whether he was going or coming from Chileka, but he was driving along the Chileka Road when he got involved in the accident.”
“Dr Mtafu was not just an ordinary physician, he was committed to his work and as government, we are shocked that such a talented and dedicated man has left us.”
On his part, Muluzi, in whose Cabinet Mtafu served in various portfolios, described his death as not only shocking but also a loss to the country.
He said: “I am extremely shocked to learn about the demise of Dr Mtafu. As you will remember, he worked with me and a number of us in the run-up to the multiparty era in the 1990s. We were together in the underground movement…
“George was also my personal doctor. So, it is a shock not only to me but to the entire nation.”
Born on Likoma Island, Mtafu was trained as a neurosurgeon in Germany and returned home in the 1980s and was based at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
As a politician, Mtafu served in several Cabinet portifolios during the United Democratic Front (UDF) administration and became member of Parliament for Likoma in May 2004, but did not retain the seat in the 2009 elections. n
