Arron Nyamayaro
Three children have died in two separate suspected food-poisoning incidents, one involving two brothers from Rusape and another involving a nine-year-old boy from Dzivaresekwa Extension.
Emmanuel Makarimai, 14, and Tanaka Makarimai, 12, were taken to Parirenyatwa Hospital after becoming ill.
Both died at the hospital.
Their stepmother, Vimbai Mushana, is suspected of poisoning the boys, according to the report. She took them to the hospital but reportedly left and has not been located.
The boys’ biological mother, Loice Jose, 31, of Concession, said she had arranged with Mushana for the children to travel from Rusape to Mbare on their way to Concession.
“We agreed over the phone last Tuesday that Vimbai would bring the children from Rusape to Mbare, en route to Concession,” she said.
“On Wednesday, I waited for them at Mbare Musika, as we had agreed, but they did not arrive.
On Thursday, I received a call from Parirenyatwa Police Post informing me that the children had been admitted to hospital and were vomiting.
“I went to the hospital to check on them. When I arrived, I learnt that Tanaka had died, while Emmanuel was fighting for his life. A few minutes later, Emmanuel died.”
In a separate incident, Prospect Zvemarima, 9, of Dzivarasekwa Extension, died on Friday after reportedly developing stomach problems.
Prospect Zvemarima
His mother, Nancy Tembo, 32, said a neighbour had given Prospect rice and a drink before he became ill.
The neighbour could not be located after the incident, she said.
“My son developed stomach problems, so we rushed him to hospital. One of our neighbours gave him some rice and a drink, and that is when it started,” Tembo said.
Prospect’s body was awaiting a post-mortem examination at Parirenyatwa Hospital.
