May 17, 2024 – Ten people have died in three different Districts of Southern Province after consuming a suspected poisonous home-made beer.
In Zimba District, two people died while five others are admitted to Kabanga Rural Health Centre where they are battling for their lives after drinking suspected beer made out of Methylated spirit.
The incident happened on Sunday, May 12, 2024 and Monday, May 13, 2024 but was reported to Police in District on May 16, 2024 around 10:00 hours.
Police Immediately instituted investigations which revealed that the incidents occurred at different times in Siankope A village in Chief Simwatachela’s area.
The deceased victims were identified as Richest Samboko aged 39 and the other only identified as Nyirenda Siakatwe while three of the admitted victims were identified as Ngelo Muleya, Joyce Siatubuyu and Lufu Siakatwe aged 22. Other other two are yet to be formally identified.
Richest died Tuesday, May 14, 2024 and was buried on May 15, 2024. It is believed that when mourners were leaving the burial site, Nyirenda also died.
Further investigations indicate that the seven victims made beer out of Methylated spirit by mixing with sugar which they drunk and started experiencing some discomfort after few hours.
Meanwhile, Three people died and four others are admitted to Kasiya Mission Hospital in Pemba District while five people died in Namwala District under similar circumstances.
In Pemba District, Police are investigating cases of sudden deaths which occurred between May 13, 2024 and May 16, 2024 in Chief Hamaundu’s area in which three people died whilst admitted to Kasiya Mission Hospital.
The three died after experiencing severe diarrhea, abdominal pains and sight problems.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the seven victims were drinking beer made out of Methylated spirit mixed with water and shoe polish.
The deceased were identified as John Siyumbwa, 48, who died on May 13, 2024, Alucious Muuka, aged 37, died on May 14, 2024 and Kettle Simambo, aged 42, who died on May 16, 2024.
Lay Chimuka aged 36 of Maambo village, Kasiya area is still admitted to the same hospital and his condition is said to be stable while Debby Habeenzu, aged 28, Best Jinji, 50, and Kenos Mudenda, aged 36, were referred to Monze Mission Hospital for further treatment as their condition is reported to be critical.
In Namwala District, Police have launched investigations to establish the actual cause of death of Joseph Cheelo 48, and four others who died between May 14 and May 16, 2024 as a result of drinking a locally brewed beer called Chijaba.
On May 15, 2024 around 20:00 hours, Mr Cheelo was seen drinking a home-made beer with unknown number of his friends who are yet to be identified. Four of them are reported to have died.
Investigations revealed that Mr. Cheelo who became unconscious few hours after consuming the locally made beer, was rushed to Muchila Health Center where he was later pronounced dead by medical officers.
The other four victims are yet to be formally identified.
Police investigations show that reports from members of the public indicate that the number of victims affected as a result of drinking home-made alcohol is more.
Police in the Province, working together with health officers, have intensified investigations.
Danny Mwale
Deputy Police Public Relations
