The repatriation and burial of the late Zimbabwean professional boxer Ndodana “The Black Hammer” Ncube could take longer than expected after it emerged that a post-mortem examination has still not been conducted weeks after his death in South Africa.

Family members based in South Africa confirmed that Ncube’s body remains at a mortuary, with doctors now expected to attend to the process next week on Wednesday or Thursday. However, the reasons behind the delays had not yet been established at the time of going to press.

The tragic developments have prolonged the anguish of the boxer’s grieving family, friends and the Zimbabwean boxing fraternity who continue to await closure following the fighter’s untimely death after a bout in Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Ncube suffered the fatal injuries during an international boxing tournament staged by Ilanga Boxing Promotions at the Eastdene Community Hall in Middelburg, Mpumalanga. The event was organised in partnership with the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport and Recreation.

On the fateful night, Ncube squared off against South African boxer Lunga Stimela, also known as “The Pressure Cooker”, in an eight-round super-featherweight contest. Despite a bruising encounter in which the two fighters accidentally clashed heads, Ncube fought through to the final bell and secured a majority decision victory on points.

Reports indicate that after returning to the dressing room following the fight, Ncube began vomiting before collapsing. Ringside doctors and paramedics immediately attended to him and efforts to resuscitate and stabilise him were undertaken at the venue before he was rushed to King Nyabela Hospital in critical condition.

As his condition deteriorated, he was transferred to Witbank Provincial Hospital, where scans revealed a blood clot in his brain. Doctors performed emergency brain surgery on March 28 in a desperate attempt to save his life.

The boxer subsequently slipped into a coma and spent several weeks unconscious in intensive care, with medical staff closely monitoring his condition. Although there were brief signs of improvement after he reportedly regained consciousness and attempted to communicate, his condition later worsened. He eventually succumbed to his injuries on May 16.

In a heartbreaking twist, Ncube’s death came around the same period his family in Harare was celebrating the birth of his son, adding another layer of grief to an already devastating tragedy.

Sources close to the family said South Africans from various sectors, including members of the boxing fraternity and local well-wishers, rendered significant assistance during the boxer’s hospitalisation and after his death. Promoters, boxing officials and medical personnel are understood to have helped with hospital processes and logistical support for relatives who travelled to South Africa.

Once all legal and medical formalities are completed, Ncube’s body is expected to be repatriated to Zimbabwe for burial at his rural home in Jahunda, Hwange.

Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe National Boxing and Wrestling Control Board earlier appealed for privacy and respect for the bereaved family during the difficult period.

In its statement, the board said the health and safety of athletes remained its highest priority and urged members of the public and the media to allow the family space to mourn with dignity.

Ncube’s death has once again reignited debate around safety measures in combat sports and the need for continuous medical monitoring of fighters before, during and after professional bouts.

Widely respected in Zimbabwean boxing circles, Ncube was regarded as a disciplined and determined fighter whose courage inside the ring earned him admiration from fans and fellow athletes alike. His death has left a deep void within the sport, particularly among young boxers who viewed him as a role model and inspiration.