A rare twin birth across two provinces ends in tragedy as one baby passes away in Bloemfontein hospital
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a South African mother who made headlines for delivering her boy twins 14 days apart in two separate provinces is now mourning the loss of one of her babies.
The remarkable birth began at Kuruman Hospital in the Northern Cape, where the first twin was delivered prematurely on 27 March 2025. Fourteen days later, on 10 April, the second twin was born at Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein, Free State. This rare delay between deliveries had initially sparked awe and medical curiosity — but joy soon turned to grief.
According to Free State Department of Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi, it was confirmed on Sunday, 13 April, that the second baby had sadly passed away at Universitas.
“The sad development is that the second baby twin born at Universitas Academic Hospital passed away,” said Mvambi.
A Medical Rarity: Twins Born Days Apart
Twins are typically delivered within minutes of each other, or, in unusual cases, a few hours apart. Having them born on different days — let alone two weeks apart — is exceptionally rare. However, medical science acknowledges such occurrences, especially when complications arise during twin pregnancies.
The Washington State Twin Registry records that the longest interval between twin births was a staggering 90 days. In some cases, if one twin is born prematurely, doctors may intentionally delay the birth of the second to give them a better chance of survival.
“If one baby has to be delivered prematurely, doctors can often stop the labour and delay delivery to give the other baby more time in the womb to grow and develop,” states the registry.
Medical Briefing Still Scheduled
Despite the loss, the Free State Health Department confirmed that a media briefing scheduled for Monday at Universitas Academic Hospital will proceed. The aim is to provide the public with a better understanding of how such a medically rare event unfolded.
“On Monday, we will hear directly from the mother and our team of medical specialists, who will provide expert insight into how such a unique birth was possible and what it means medically,” said Mvambi.
Twin Pregnancies and Delayed Births
While rare, twins can be born days — or even weeks — apart due to premature labour, emergency interventions, or complications. In medical terms, twins are defined by being conceived in the same pregnancy, regardless of when or where they are delivered.
Cases such as these, while astonishing, can come with high emotional and physical tolls for both the mother and medical teams. This particular case serves as a painful reminder of the fragility of life in high-risk pregnancies.
A Mother’s Strength Amid Sorrow
What was meant to be a miracle of science and survival has ended in deep sorrow for this unnamed mother, whose story now shifts from one of rare triumph to one of public mourning. Support and compassion are being poured out from across the country as South Africans reflect on the strength it takes to endure such loss.
Also read: ’Don’t Dump Your Baby’: Rising Baby Abandonment Cases Spark Urgent Call for Awareness and Support
