By Francis Chipalo
More than 10 people have died in Choma District between 8 and 15 May 2026, in cases suspected to be linked to the consumption of an illegally sold traditional alcoholic drink known as Gwara, the Choma Municipal Council has said.
The Council’s Public Health Department said burial permit requests received on 13 May were accompanied by Police reports classifying the cases as “Brought In Dead” (BID).
Following the reports, the department, together with the Zambia Police Service and staff from Shampande Clinic, conducted investigations in Zambia Compound and Overspill areas where the deaths were recorded.
Speaking on behalf of the Director of Public Health, Chief Health Inspector Judson Moyo confirmed that illicit alcohol was seized during the operation.
He warned members of the public against consuming unregulated alcoholic substances.
The Council said it had intensified inspections and was appealing to residents to report illegal brewing and sale of such drinks.
