Freddy Manjalika aka Kapfupi visited fellow comedian Gringo who is seriously ill and currently admitted at hospital.
Veteran comedian Lazarus Boora, known by his legion of fans as Gringo, has fallen sick again after failing to raise money for medication.
Gringo, who turned 47 last month, is battling tesnel or intestine obstruction and experiencing discomfort in sitting, backache coupled by hearing and talking difficulties. The actor last year had appendix surgery before he relocated to his rural home in Rusape.
Now, he has returned to Harare where he is staying with his wife Netsai Meki and three children. When The Herald Arts visited Gringo in Hatfield, Harare, yesterday, he was lying in agony and looking frail.
Sadly, unlike his former self, Gringo failed to crack jokes which he normally does effortlessly whenever he meets the Press or new people.
His wife and two nieces, Eridha Boora and Rhoda Ganga, had to help him onto the couch.
The nieces, who both hail from Chimanimani, came after they were called on Saturday that the veteran actor was now seriously ill.
Barely after five minutes, Gringo, who was clad in white T-shirt and navy blue cargo pants, could not sit up straight and requested to lie down.
“Let me lie down, then I will wake up”, he softly said.
His wife put a pillow behind his back, saying that is now his routine.
“That is how he is surviving now, sleeping and sitting for a few minutes. He is in pain compared to before. On Saturday we took him to a hospital in Waterfalls because his condition was worsening. They said he was dehydrated. He is failing to eat properly, and if he eats, he vomits and is suffering from diarrhoea. We give him only a few spoons of porridge and he eats a morsel of sadza, which he sometimes can’t finish. Now he is having back problems. The doctor said he might have an infection in his intestines and needs to go for a scan. The challenge now is finances to go back to his first surgeon,” narrated his wife.
She said the situation was getting worse by day and appealed to well-wishers for donations so that he can be attended to by the surgeon.
“The same Saturday his medical bill was high and we even failed to do blood tests and buy prescribed medication. His son, Taurai, bought the other pills. My sister from Msasa Park is the one who sometimes helps us with the medical bills. We have friends from church (Johanne Masowe Apostolic) who are also supportive, but this time around because of the lockdown they are failing. I can’t tell how much we need right now because we can’t even go the surgeon to get the quotation because we don’t have the money for consultation,” she said.
Asked why they came back from Rusape, Netsai said she brought her husband to Harare on July 19 after his condition deteriorated.
“I work at the Tobacco Auction Floors and that is how we are surviving. I brought him to Harare so that I could take care of him and at the same time there are several hospitals and clinics here. He has been unwell for a long time. Surprisingly his condition varies. There was a time he appeared to be fit so much that he could even drive to Mbare or take a walk to the shops, but the next day he couldn’t even move. During the Heroes holidays, his condition worsened. We are still waiting to go back to the doctor for scans,” she said.
The family is renting a room in Hatfield and the wife said life was hard for them.
She said Gringo still dreams of going back to acting, despite his condition.
“He believes he is strong to star in any production, but it has to consider his condition. Even if they give him a script while he is lying down, he doesn’t mind,” said Netsai.
Appendix rupture is a life-threatening condition which requires immediate surgery to remove and clean the abdominal cavity.
Info News
Mortgage Refinancing Options Homeowners Should Consider in 2026
Understanding Mortgage Refinancing
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Mortgage refinancing allows homeowners to replace their existing home loan with a new mortgage that offers updated terms, lower interest rates, or improved financial flexibility. Millions of homeowners refinance their mortgages to reduce monthly payments, shorten loan terms, or access home equity for major expenses.
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As interest rates fluctuate in 2026, refinancing continues to attract homeowners looking for long-term savings opportunities. Even a small reduction in interest rates can save borrowers thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. Refinancing can also help borrowers transition from adjustable-rate mortgages to more stable fixed-rate loan structures.
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Homeowners considering refinancing should evaluate their financial goals carefully before applying. Some borrowers focus on reducing monthly payments, while others prioritize paying off mortgages faster or consolidating debt using home equity.
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Benefits of Refinancing Your Mortgage
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One of the biggest benefits of mortgage refinancing is lower monthly payments. Reduced interest rates can significantly improve household cash flow, allowing homeowners to save more money or manage other financial obligations more comfortably.
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Refinancing may also shorten the loan repayment period. Some homeowners switch from 30-year mortgages to 15-year loans to reduce long-term interest expenses and build home equity faster.
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Cash-out refinancing is another popular option. This allows homeowners to borrow against accumulated home equity to finance renovations, education expenses, business investments, or debt consolidation.
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Factors to Consider Before Refinancing
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Although refinancing offers many advantages, homeowners should carefully compare lender fees, closing costs, and loan terms before making decisions. Refinancing costs may include appraisal fees, loan origination charges, title insurance, and legal expenses.
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Credit scores play a major role in refinancing approval and interest rates. Borrowers with stronger credit profiles generally qualify for more competitive terms and lower rates.
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Timing is also important. Homeowners planning to move within a short period may not benefit enough from refinancing savings to justify upfront costs.
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Final Thoughts
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Mortgage refinancing remains a powerful financial tool for homeowners seeking lower payments, improved loan terms, or greater financial flexibility. Careful planning and lender comparison can help borrowers maximize savings and avoid unnecessary expenses.
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By understanding refinancing options and evaluating long-term goals, homeowners can make smarter financial decisions that support long-term stability and wealth growth.
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Mental Health Awareness and Emotional Well-Being
Mental health is an important aspect of overall well-being that affects emotions, thoughts, and behavior. Anxiety, depression, stress, and emotional burnout have become increasingly common due to modern lifestyles, financial pressure, social expectations, and digital overload.
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One major reason mental health awareness has grown is the recognition that emotional well-being affects physical health, relationships, and workplace productivity. Many organizations now provide mental health support programs, counseling services, and wellness initiatives to help employees manage stress effectively.
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Technology has expanded access to mental health resources through teletherapy platforms, meditation apps, and online counseling services. Social media campaigns and public awareness initiatives are helping reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about mental health challenges.
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However, barriers such as limited healthcare access, cultural stigma, and financial constraints still prevent many individuals from seeking help. Experts emphasize the importance of supportive communities, education, and professional mental health services in improving emotional well-being.
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Mental health awareness continues becoming a global priority as societies recognize the importance of emotional balance and psychological support for overall quality of life.
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