In a heartbreaking incident that has shocked the community, three young children from the same family in Lusaka’s Kabanana Compound have died from what authorities suspect was food poisoning. The tragedy unfolded over several days, turning a routine family meal into a devastating loss for the Mutombeni family.
The incident began on the evening of January 3, 2026, when six family members sat down to a traditional Zambian dinner at their home. The meal consisted of nshima, the country’s staple maize porridge, accompanied by pumpkin leaves (locally known as chibwabwa), soya pieces, and sour milk. These are common, everyday foods in many Zambian households, making the subsequent events all the more alarming.
Just hours later, around midnight, all six individuals started experiencing severe symptoms. They complained of intense stomach pains, persistent diarrhea, and vomiting, classic signs of acute foodborne illness. Concerned for their well-being, the family sought immediate medical help the following day, January 4.
The victims were first rushed to Chipata First Level Hospital in Lusaka. Tragically, the youngest child, one-year-old Getrude Sibongile Mutombeni, did not survive and passed away at the facility. The remaining five family members, showing similar severe symptoms, were quickly referred to Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital for more advanced treatment
Despite the efforts of medical staff, the condition of the children deteriorated rapidly. Six-year-old Royd Mutombeni succumbed to the illness around 18:00 hours on January 4. In the early hours of January 5, at approximately 04:00, eight-year-old Bongani Mutombeni also lost his battle for life. The parents, who had consumed the same meal, received treatment and were eventually discharged in stable condition, leaving them to grieve the unimaginable loss of their three children.
Police in Lusaka were notified of the incident on January 5 around 15:00 hours. Authorities have launched a full investigation, opening an inquiry file to determine the exact source of the suspected contamination. Preliminary findings point to the home-prepared meal as the likely cause, though tests are pending to confirm this.
The bodies of the deceased children have been moved to the mortuaries at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital. Postmortem examinations are scheduled to establish the precise cause of death and provide clarity on whether toxic substances, bacterial contamination, or another factor was involved.
This devastating event has raised concerns about food safety practices in households across Zambia. Common risks include improper storage of ingredients, contamination during preparation, or issues with sourced foods like sour milk. Health experts often emphasize the importance of hygiene, thorough cooking, and careful handling of perishables to prevent such tragedies.
The statement confirming these details was released by Police Public Relations Officer Godfrey Chilabi. As investigations continue, the community in Kabanana Compound and beyond mourns the young lives cut short, hoping for answers that might prevent future occurrences. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available from authorities.
© Diamond TV Zambia. Republishing full content without permission is prohibited.
