Four people have died in Mwenezi within a short space of time after they allegedly inhaled a fumigant pesticide used to preserve grain in Chitanga communal lands.
Flora Siziba (56) of Masisinyani village in the Mateke Hills area died on Friday 25 November 2022 together with her mother Raila Gula (90) at the former’s homestead in a space of a few hours.
Their deaths reportedly came after the pair allegedly started complaining of severe stomach pains before sweating and vomiting.
Siziba’s neighbour, Thomas Ndavani, who visited her homestead after learning of her tragic death also allegedly died a few minutes after his arrival. He exhibited the same symptoms.
The bodies of Siziba, her mother and Ndavani’s were taken to Neshuro Hospital for a post-mortem on the same day after police had attended the scene.
On November 26, Siziba’s son-in-law Shepherd Mukachana who stayed at her homestead was rushed to Gezani clinic after exhibiting the same symptoms.
He was treated and discharged together with Siziba’s daughter-in-law, Vimbai Chirelele.
Later on the same day, Mukachana’s condition allegedly deteriorated and he died around 3 pm.
According to police, Chirelele is still in stable condition and recuperating at home.
Police said they suspect the deaths were caused by chemical poisoning linked to inhaling a fumigant pesticide though conclusive investigations are still underway.