adminKudzai Mundeta
THREE family members and two dogs died after eating home-made bread believed to have been laced with a poisonous substance in Chipinge last week.
Police confirmed the incident which happened last Tuesday at Pfitsoro Village, Chief Mutema’s area and said investigations were in progress.
Chipinge District police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Blessing Kadzuraumera, said Lear Njanje (70) prepared home-made bread while other family members were at the garden.
“At around 5pm, Lear gave the bread to other family members, among them her husband, Patrick Mavhu (80), Adam Mavhu (44), Tanaka Njanje, Tinashe Njanje and a visitor, Tendai Mahembe.
“Adam refused to eat the bread, while Patrick only had a single bite and said it was tasteless. He then gave the remainder to two dogs.
‘’At around 7pm, Tendai Mahembe started complaining of stomach pains. He started vomiting. Later Lear, Farai and Tanaka also started vomiting and complaining of running stomach,” he said.
The four’s condition worsened the following day.
Patrick went to Ngone Clinic to seek medication and he was given six sachets of salt and sugar solution and zinc tablets.
“At about 11.30am, Patrick returned home and discovered that Lear, Tanaka and Farai together with their two dogs had died. He administered the salt and sugar solution to Tinashe Njanje and the vomiting stopped,” he said.
The matter was reported to the police who were visiting the area.
The bodies were taken to Chipinge District Hospital for post-mortem.
Asst Insp Kadzuraumera urged members of the public to seek medication early.
Online Reporter