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WINDHOEK. – Thirteen members of the same family in Namibia have died after eating suspected toxic porridge, police said on Wednesday..
Another four people are in a critical condition in hospital, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) reported.
NBC, quoting the health ministry, said at least 20 people consumed the “poisonous or toxic” porridge after it was mixed with a fermented substance left over from a homemade alcoholic drink.
The victims – part of a family of 21 in a village in the northeastern region of Kavango East – fell ill after dinner on Saturday and were rushed to hospital, police said.
As of Wednesday, 15 had died, police spokesperson Kauna Shikwambi said.
Most of those who died were children and are reported to have been “in desperate need of food”.
NBC, quoting the health ministry, said the meal was prepared with pearl millet flour and fermented sediment derived from a homemade beverage.
An investigation has been launched and a team of counsellors has been sent by the ministry to offer psychological support to the grieving family. – AFP
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