Police in Lusaka have arrested a 34-year-old woman of Mazyopa compound for allegedly selling contaminated food that left 17 children hospitalized.
Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga says the suspect, identified as Esther Daka, reportedly bought leftover food from restaurants at East Park Mall meant for dogs and distributed some to children in her neighborhood while selling the rest.
The children, aged between two and seventeen, later experienced severe stomach pains and vomiting, prompting neighbors to rush them to Chipata Level One Hospital, where they remain under observation but in stable condition.
Samples of the suspected food have been sent to the Food and Drug Laboratory at the University Teaching Hospital for analysis.
Mr. Hamoonga has since warned the public against buying or consuming leftover food from unauthorized sources, citing serious health risks.
By Elfi Mwale Shampande.
