A two-year-old boy has died and eight people are admitted to Kasenga mini hospital after consuming suspected poisonous traditional Munkoyo drink in Chipangali District.
Emmanuel Lungu died after drinking the brew allegedly prepared with poisonous or wrong roots at David Farm in Madzi-Atuba Resettlement Scheme, Chief Chinunda.
Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba has confirmed that police received the report yesterday at Mgubudu Police Post from Charity Ingwe, aged 40, the deceased’s aunt.
Facts are that on 4th November around 19:00 hours, a woman only identified as Amake Judy prepared Munkoyo for drinking due to the hot weather. Villagers consumed the drink and took some home.
On 5th November around 15:00 hours, Angela Phiri, aged 20, started vomiting and complaining of stomach pains.
More victims developed similar symptoms and were taken to Madzi-Atuba Clinic.
Atleast eight victims are admitted at Kasenga Mini Hospital, including Jackson Banda, aged 40, who is in critical condition. Three others are at Madzi Atuba Clinic.
The woman who prepared the Munkoyo has fled fromthe clinic.
The body is at Kasenga Mini Hospital mortuary awaiting postmortem.
By Samuel Khwawe
