By Patience Gondo
TWO children died and 14 people, including four more minors and seven adults, have been hospitalised following suspected food poisoning after a traditional beer ceremony in Mashava, Masvingo on October 27.
The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has launched an investigation into the incident, which occurred during a village gathering.
The deceased are believed to have ingested poisonous sadza and mahewu during a traditional ceremony.
In a statement on Tuesday dated October 28 , ZRP spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident.
“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a sad incident where two children died while 14 others, who include seven adults and four children, are critically ill after attending a traditional beer ceremony in Mashava area, Masvingo,” said Nyathi.
He said the deceased were aged three and seven, and succumbed after experiencing severe stomach pains.
Others were rushed for emergency medical care.
“Suddenly, the children and adults fell ill with stomach pains, resulting in the death of two minors,” he said.
Four children and seven adults are currently receiving treatment at Masvingo General Hospital in critical condition, while three others are being treated at Mashava Clinic.
Health authorities in Masvingo have been alerted and samples are expected to be collected for toxicological analysis to determine the cause of the suspected poisoning.
Nyathi said more details will be released in due course.