Police in Lundazi have arrested one suspect and discharged all 17 hospitalized victims following the suspected poisoning of a well in Chalotwa Village, Chasefu District.
Yelemiya Zimba was picked up by police after his discharge from Lundazi District Hospital on Thursday, October 22, 2026 and is currently detained at Lundazi Police Station for allegedly administering a poisonous substance into the village drinking water well with intent to harm residents.
38 people who consumed water from the well complained of diarrhoea and abdominal pains.
21 were treated at a local health center and discharged, while 17 were admitted to Lundazi District Hospital.
All 17 have now been discharged and returned to their respective homes.
The incident was reported on October 20 at 16:50 hours by Oscar Zimba, 36, of Chalotwa Village, Chief Phikamalaza.
The suspect awaits to appear before court soon.
By Samuel Khwawe
