Online Reporter
Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
A MAN has died after a drinking binge in which he consumed five bottles of illicit alcohol.
Darlington Willard collapsed and died at a joint called “Pamukoto” at the Main Rank Bus terminus in Chinhoyi on Saturday.
A relative told H- Metro that Willard initially arrived at the liquor shop with the intention of buying cigarettes.
“However, when he was about to go back home, he was offered the illicit alcohol known as Hudson to drink,” said the relative.
“There was a guy who challenged him to drink the ‘whisky’ and he paid five dollars for the ‘whisky,’”
He said Darlington drank five bottles of the alcoholic drink, including three bottles whose alcohol was not diluted.
“The guy then offered him a Black Label quart, but he refused and collapsed.
“This is not the first time this incident has happened.
“The last time the deceased once drank four bottles of undiluted ‘whisky’ and later woke up at Chinhoyi Provincial hospital, “ said the relative.
When he collapsed on Saturday, his brother was the first relative to arrive at the scene.
“They tried to give him fresh milk, but it was to avail.
“This happened around 10am and he was rushed to hospital in a pushcart since we could not afford the money for transport,” said the relative.
The deceased’s young brother, Willard Machemba, said he was the one who took his 37- year- old brother to the hospital but it was too late.
“He abused the ‘whisky’ without any dilution. We are going to bury him today (yesterday) here in Chinhoyi.”
The tragedy has sparked calls from the residents for police to crack down on those selling illicit alcoholic drinks.
George Karinga, a Chinhoyi resident, said:
“Makrango apedza vanhu munyika. Mapurisa sungai vanhu.
“Drugs netumbwa zviri kutishaisa mufaro,” said Karinga.
