Bulawayo councillors have raised growing concerns about the safety of food products sold in tuckshops, following reports of food poisoning incidents in neighbouring South Africa.
Several cases of food poisoning in South Africa have been linked to Spaza shops, particularly in Gauteng, where over 20 children have died after consuming contaminated food allegedly bought from these informal township shops.
This has led the South African government to declare the situation a national disaster.
During a recent Full Council Meeting, Ward 28 Councillor Ntandoyenkosi Ndlovu said that many of the food products sold in Bulawayo are imported from South Africa, which has raised fears about the safety and quality of the items being sold locally. Said Ndlovu:
<blockquote>
In South Africa, this issue has become a public health emergency. They have recorded a high number of deaths of children caused by food they buy from spaza shops.
We are worried as a city because we know that most of the stuff that we sell in these grocery shops and tuck shops are products that we buy from the neighbouring country.
What measures has the responsible committee taken to ensure that the food products sold in these shops are suitable and safe?
</blockquote>
A member of the Health, Housing and Education Committee, Ward 2 Cllr Rendani Moyo, allayed the fears, saying there is adequate enforcement of the law to regulate the sale of foodstuffs in the city. Said Moyo:
<blockquote>
We are making concerted and frantic efforts to make sure there is adequate enforcement of the law to regulate the activities at these locations. We also have environmental health personnel to inspect all outlets to ensure that operations are above board.
If you are a food handler there are rules and regulations you must abide by. Even in the operations of buying and selling groceries and food products, there are specifications that regulate all those who operate in the city.
While South Africa is one of our biggest trading partners as a city, we need to be on high alert to make sure all operations are above board.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Bulawayo councillors are worried about food safety after children in South Africa got sick and died from eating contaminated food bought from Spaza shops. The South African government declared it a national disaster. Many food products in Bulawayo come from South Africa, so councillors are concerned about the quality and safety of the food sold locally. The Health, Housing, and Education Committee is enforcing laws to regulate food sales in the city. They are inspecting shops to make sure they follow the rules to keep people safe.

Bulawayo Councillors Concerned Over Food Safety After South Africa Poisoning Deaths

A suspected food poisoning incident at Riverdale Academy in Bulawayo has led to dozens of pupils and some parents being hospitalised with stomach cramps and other food-borne illness symptoms.
According to parents who spoke to <a href="https://bmetro.co.zw/poisoning-scare-at-school-dinner-dozens-hospitalised-for-stomach-cramps/">B-Metro</a> and preferred anonymity, the issue began after a dinner event on Saturday, where several pupils started vomiting and complaining of cramps upon returning home. Said a parent:
<blockquote>
On Saturday, my son attended a dinner party at the school. Afterwards, he began experiencing severe stomach cramps and vomiting.
He became so weak that we had to rush him to the hospital, where he was admitted and given IV fluids.
At first, I thought he was the only one affected, but then I heard from the school’s WhatsApp group that many other parents were facing similar situations with their children.
The incident occurred on Saturday, and as of today (Thursday), the school has yet to release a comprehensive report regarding the near-fatal event involving our children.
Parents are now demanding an independent investigation to uncover the truth behind the incident.
We are deeply concerned by the school’s lack of transparency and responsiveness to this serious matter.
The failure to provide timely and detailed information has eroded our trust in the school’s ability to ensure the safety and well-being of our children.
</blockquote>
Another parent who spoke to B-Metro said that she has lost a lot of money trying to get her daughter treated. She said:
<blockquote>
My daughter’s condition was so critical after the party that I had to borrow money from friends and relatives to afford treatment at a reputable hospital. The incident has left me in significant debt.
I believe the school must take immediate action, as numerous students and parents are currently hospitalised.
The financial burden and emotional distress caused by this incident are immense, and it is imperative that the school takes responsibility for its negligence.
We are extremely distressed by this incident and are worried about the potential long-term health implications for our child.
We believe that the school has a responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, and we are deeply disappointed that this incident has occurred.
</blockquote>
Another parent speculated that the incident may have been caused by poor hygiene practices on the part of the caterers. She said:
<blockquote>
I suspect that the incident was a case of food poisoning, possibly caused by rust from the cooking pots or the misuse of baking soda.
We demand a full refund from the school and call for strict action against the caterers responsible for the event.
This negligence has resulted in significant health risks and financial burdens for many families.
</blockquote>
Riverdale Academy Principal Philani Mathe confirmed the suspected food poisoning incident, saying about 1,400 people attended the event, with reports of illness from four students. He said:
<blockquote>
Approximately 1 400 people attended the event, and we have received reports of illness from about four students.
We have been closely monitoring the condition of these students. The school is conducting a thorough investigation and will soon release a statement with definitive information on the causes of these illnesses.
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Dozens of students and parents at Riverdale Academy in Bulawayo got sick after a school dinner. Many had stomach cramps and vomiting. Some had to go to the hospital. Parents are upset because the school is not sharing information about what happened. They want an investigation. Some parents had to borrow money for treatment. They think the caterers may be to blame. The school is looking into the situation and will provide more details soon. Around 1,400 people attended the event, and four students got sick. The parents are worried about the long-term effects on their children's health.

Learners Hospitalised After Suspected Food Poisoning At Private School Dinner

A 37-year-old woman from Zvimba District, Mashonaland West Province, appeared before the Chinhoyi Magistrates Court on Monday facing attempted murder charges.
According to the National Prosecuting Authority, the accused person allegedly prepared food laced with poison and gave it to her daughter to give to her peers at Matoranhimbe Primary School. Six children at the school ate the food and suffered stomach complications.
The accused person was remanded in custody on the 20th of June for bail application.
On Sunday, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi said eight learners fell sick on Friday after eating rice and soup at the school.
Comm Nyathi said the learners allegedly started vomiting while complaining of stomach pains after they had consumed rice and soup which had been packed in a lunch box.
They were ferried to Murombedzi Rural Hospital for treatment. He added:
<blockquote>
Investigations carried out by the police revealed that a fellow school pupil brought the lunch box which contained home-prepared food after being given two lunch boxes by her parent. The parent gave her instructions on how to share the food.
</blockquote>
Some people say parents should teach their children not to eat everywhere, and authorities should investigate possible bullying at the school, which may have led the parent to take drastic action.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Zvimba Woman Faces Attempted Murder Charges For Poisoning Schoolchildren

Eight learners at Matoranhembe Primary School in Murombedzi, Zvimba District, Mashonaland West Province, fell sick on Friday in a case of suspected food poisoning.
It is alleged that a parent of one of the learners deliberately poisoned the rice and soup and gave her daughter instructions on how to share the food.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident on Sunday, saying the learners started vomiting while complaining of stomach pains after they ate rice and soup packed in a lunchbox. He said:
<blockquote>
The Zimbabwe Republic Police reports that investigations are underway in connection with a case of suspected food poisoning which occurred at Matoranhembe Primary School, Murombedzi on 07th June 2024.
Eight pupils allegedly started vomiting while complaining of stomach pains after they had consumed rice and soup which had been packed in a lunch box. The pupils were ferried to Murombedzi Rural Hospital for treatment.
Investigations carried out by the police revealed that a fellow school pupil brought the lunch box which contained home-prepared food after being given two lunch boxes by her parent.
The parent gave her instructions on how to share the food.
</blockquote>
Comm. Nyathi added that additional information will be provided in due course as the police investigations progress.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Police Probe Suspected Deliberate Food Poisoning At A Primary School In Zvimba

Former Zengeza West MP <a href="https://pindula.co.zw/Job_Sikhala">Job Sikhala</a> (CCC), has said he was poisoned while in solitary confinement at Chikurubi Maximum Prison.
Sikhala, who was set free by a magistrate on Tuesday after spending 595 days in pretrial detention, was reported sick in January and October 2023.
Private doctors had to be called in for tests which Sikhala said are still to be completed.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/sikhala-confirms-prison-cell-poisoning-in-sad-account-of-595-days-detention-at-chikurubi-prison/">NewZimbabwe.com</a> at his home in Chitungwiza, a sprawling settlement about 25km from Harare, said he suspected Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS) had poisoned his food during an unannounced search of a cell they were keeping him in. He said:
<blockquote>
News that I had been poisoned during my stay at Chikurubi Maximum Prison is true.
I suspect prison officers who conducted an unannounced search of my cell have poisoned the food that I had received from home.
For my entire stay, I avoided eating prison food as I suspected that the State was looking for an excuse to eliminate me.
</blockquote>
Sikhala said he had to be examined by private doctors after passing stool which had blood deposits while losing considerable weight within a few weeks of noticing that. He added:
<blockquote>
You have to understand that they do not have any form of medication. I had to invite my private doctors to attend to me and rely on my family to buy medication for me.
</blockquote>
Sikhala and another CCC activist Godfrey Karakadzayi Sithole were convicted on the 24th of January 2024 on charges of inciting public violence by Harare Magistrate Tafadzwa Miti.
Miti sentenced Sikhala to serve two years in prison, which she however wholly suspended on condition of good behaviour.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Sikhala Claims Prison Cell Food Poisoning

A priest at St Paul’s Musami High School in Murewa, Mashonaland East Province, appeared in court on Tuesday facing allegations of poisoning the school headmaster.
Ugenio Phiri allegedly laced Richard Hlombe’s tea cup with an unknown substance during a tea break while they were attending a workshop in Harare.
Phiri, who is charged with assault, appeared at the Harare Magistrates Court before magistrate Munashe Chibanda. He denied the charge.
Allegations are that on 1 March 2022, Hlombe, Phiri and others were attending an educational workshop at Msasa Training Bureau.
Prosecutor Tinos Masimba further alleged that while they were queueing to have breakfast at 10 AM at the Msasa Training Bureau campus restaurant, Phiri started distributing cups to other workshop attendees.
A number of guests including Hlombe received a cup from Phiri before they went on to serve themselves.
Hlombe is said to have taken the tea but shortly afterwards, he started having stomach pain.
It is alleged that Hlombe’s situation worsened and decided to seek medication after suspecting food poisoning.
Medical tests were conducted and the medical test results showed that the level of cyanide in his body was increasing.
Hlombe told the court that Phiri had been fighting him because he has problems with a non-Catholic person heading the school.
However, Phiri denied the allegations and said he was never in possession of any form of poison which would have enabled him to commit the alleged crime.
Phiri claimed that Hlombe raised the allegations in an attempt to pre-empt some serious administrative issues that he raised against him.
Phiri is expected to be back in court on 27 September for the continuation of the trial. | <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/priest-accused-of-poisoning-headmaster/">The Herald</a>

Priest Accused Of Poisoning Headmaster At A Workshop

President Emmerson Mnangagwa said the advanced medical equipment that he was exposed to in South Africa after he was airlifted to the neighbouring country following a poisoning incident in Gwanda in 2017 inspired his vision of a better health delivery system in Zimbabwe.
Mnangagwa suddenly fell ill during a ZANU PF rally in Gwanda in 2017 before he was airlifted to Gweru and later to South Africa for treatment.
Speaking during an interactive meeting with the business community at a hotel in Kwekwe on Friday, Mnangagwa said:
<blockquote>
Most of you would remember that in August 2017, I had an incident of poisoning in Gwanda and I was airlifted to Gweru.
General Chiwenga then came to pick me up, airlifting me to South Africa.
In South Africa, I was exposed to some expert medical attention and that’s when I made a decision that this kind of medical technology should also be there in Zimbabwe.
I had no idea then that they had decided to fire me back home.
</blockquote>
Mnangagwa had opened the Midlands State University National Pathology and Diagnostic Centre in Gweru before he addressed the business meeting in Kwekwe.
He challenged Zimbabweans to work hard for the country’s economic recovery, saying people should not continue to cry because of the sanctions imposed on the country by Western countries. He added:
<blockquote>
Of course, there are a sizeable number of people in the economy who are saboteurs, but if we work as a unit we will conquer them.
There might be some pain felt along the way, but we will get there. What is needed is to focus on the positives and forget about the minor challenges.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/president-relives-2017-poisoning-horror/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Mnangagwa Relives 2017 Gwanda Poisoning Incident

One person died while 40 others experienced severe stomach pains following suspected food poisoning at a funeral in Nyazura last week.
The deceased, William Mubvumbi, was among 50 villagers who were digging a grave for the late Emas Chiwanza.
They were served sadza and beef stew which had been stored in some plastic containers.
The food had been prepared in Odzi about 42km away from where Chiwanza was initially supposed to be buried.
It is believed that keeping the food in plastic containers for a long time may have resulted in the poisoning.
Acting Makoni District Medical Officer, Dr Hospea Maringe also confirmed the poisoning incident and Mubvumbi’s death. Said Maringe:
<blockquote>
We attended to the body of William Mubvumbi who died on his way to Rusape General Hospital.
We collected samples which we will forward to pathologists who will determine the type of poison that claimed his life.
Food poison is broad and the specialists will determine whether it was chemical, bacterial or something else.
The other 12 affected people who came on Saturday were treated and discharged on Sunday. They were all stable.
</blockquote>
Mubvumbi’s uncle, Bonus Chadereka, narrated to The Manica Post the events leading to his nephew’s death. He said:
<blockquote>
Last Saturday morning, Mr Mubvumbi left for the Chiwanza funeral. He was among the grave diggers which comprised fellow community members and some Chiwanza relatives. They were served some food and he later started complaining of a stomach ache.
He came back home and did not sleep well due to stomach pains. His condition deteriorated last Sunday morning as he was no longer speaking.
We hired a vehicle to ferry him to Rusape General Hospital, but unfortunately, he died on the way.
We inquired what had really transpired and we learnt that more members of the community were complaining of stomach aches, vomiting and diarrhoea.
The villagers told us that they started experiencing this after eating food at the gravesite.
About 40 people needed urgent attention, 12 were rushed to Rusape General Hospital and the rest were treated at Nyazura Clinic.
Post mortem was done on Mr Mubvumbi and the doctor confirmed the cause of death as food poisoning. He was buried in Manica Bridge, Muchinguri Village.
</blockquote>
The Chiwanza family spokesperson, Collin Chiwanza, suspect that the plastic containers may have contaminated the food. He said:
<blockquote>
Food was prepared for the gravediggers, unfortunately, the beef stew was put in a plastic bucket and sealed to avoid spilling it on its way to Nyazura.
From what we have learnt, the food was not supposed to be in a plastic container, and delays in serving it rendered it poisonous. More than 50 people, including Emas’ son, consumed the food.
In fact, the person who was serving the food is among those affected. We mourn with the Mubvumbi family over the loss of their relative.
</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.manicapost.co.zw/death-at-a-funeral/">The Manica Post</a></h4>

Gravedigger Dies At Funeral In Nyazura

Three children, including a toddler, died after eating a packet of noodles on Sunday during a visit to relatives in New Brighton, in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
Police spokesperson Colonel Priscilla Naidu confirmed the incident, saying police are investigating an inquest following the deaths of the three children, Sinothando Ngwendu (11), Olwam Ngwendu (7), and four-month-old Athenkosi Ngwendu.
Sinothando Ngwendu is a cousin to Olwam and Athenkosi Ngwendu. Said Naidu:
<blockquote>
It is alleged that on Saturday, 6 November 2021, the three children accompanied their grandparents on a visit to relatives in New Brighton.
The children stayed over and on Sunday, the 11-year-old girl went to the shop and bought a packet of noodles.
</blockquote>
It is believed the girl cooked the packet of noodles and the children ate it before leaving to go back to Motherwell.
Naidu said all three children allegedly ate from the same packet of noodles. She said:
<blockquote>
When the children arrived home in Motherwell, Sinothando complained of feeling nauseous. Her grandmother gave her some water to drink.
Olwam also complained of stomach cramps and nausea. While being driven with private transport to the Motherwell clinic, they passed away.
</blockquote>
She said the shortly after Sinothando and Olwam were taken to the hospital, the baby also passed away while en route to a hospital in another vehicle.
A post mortem will be conducted to establish the exact cause of their deaths.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/three-children-including-baby-die-eating-packet-of-noodles-police/">The South African</a></h4>

SA: 3 Children Die After Eating Packet Of Noodles

Harare provincial development coordinator (PDC) Tafadzwa Muguti, who has been reportedly unwell after being poisoned for fighting land barons and corruption, says he would continue busting graft despite threats to his life.
Muguti was appointed last year, but of late, he has been absent from office amid reports that he had been poisoned for exposing land barons.
Speaking in an interview with NewsDay on Tuesday, Muguti who returned to work last month said:
<blockquote>I am not commenting on that (poisoning) issue, but what I can only tell you is because of our job, our lives are always under threat.
We are living in violent and politically toxic times, and my job comes with its consequences and all I can say is that we are protected by the Lord Almighty.
We are not targeting individuals, we are targeting the wrongs being done by people and if we can fix that then we can go far.</blockquote>
Muguti said his name had been abused by namedroppers, while he also faces resistance from land barons who felt he had disturbed their “feeding trough”. He said:
<blockquote>Let me be frank, my job as PDC has come under a lot of resistance because people feel we are removing them from their feeding trough. The abnormalities at the City of Harare had become the normal way of life.
… I am employed to create a conducive working environment in the city and not to make friends. My job requires energy, I cannot please criminals.</blockquote>
NewsDay reported sources as saying Muguti was reportedly poisoned after he stepped on several land barons’ toes, mostly those affiliated to the ruling ZANU PF party and the opposition MDC formations.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2021/05/poisoning-scare-muguti-speaks-out/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">NewsDay</a></h4>

Harare PDC Tafadzwa Muguti Speaks On 'Poisoning'

Police are investigating the death of four family members residing at village 3A Mushaviri in Gutu district who were found dead on Saturday morning in a suspected case of food poisoning.
The four were found dead with vomit coming out from their mouths and nostrils. Two dogs also died in the incident.
Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) National Spokesperson, Assistant Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident. He said:
<blockquote>The ZRP is investigating a case of suspected food poisoning which occurred on 17/04/21, at Village 3A Mushaviri, Gutu, where 4 family members and two dogs were found dead with vomits coming out of their mouths and nostrils.
Meanwhile, bodies of the victims were conveyed to Gutu General Hospital awaiting Post-moterm.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the deceased people have been identified as Gamuchirai Guta aged 90, Tawanda Murova aged 34, Eunice Gozhore aged 69 and Jacob Ziracha aged 18.
They were found dead at their homestead by a neighbour called Salimu Kadanda who reported the matter to the police.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/four-die-in-suspected-food-poisoning-case/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></h4>

Four Die After Consuming Poisoned Food

Three children from the same family died in a suspected case of food poisoning in the Mugadza area in Headlands.
The three children who have been as Rutendo aged 11, Sarah (8) and Esro Mabvuwa (13), died in village 21 in Headlands at Rusape General Hospital on Monday and Tuesday.
The deaths were confirmed by Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, Tavhiringwa Kakohwa.
The deceased children’s father Joseph Mabvuwa and their mother Fortunate Chitowamombe said they are yet to come to terms with the tragedy.
Meanwhile, two other children, Abraham and Ndewashe who were admitted together with the deceased at Rusape General Hospital have been discharged.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/three-headlands-siblings-die-in-suspected-food-poisoning/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></h4>

Headlands Couple Loses 3 Children To Suspected Food Poisoning

Former Zimbabwe Higher and Tertiary Education minister Professor Jonathan Moyo is mourning the loss of his two nephews, aged 19 and 22, who died in quick succession in a suspected case of food poisoning in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Moyo announced that Nkosinolwazi Gimmick Maseko, who would have turned 19 last week and his cousin Thabo Brandon Mkhize, who celebrated his 22nd birthday three days before his untimely death, were laid to rest on Tuesday in Johannesburg.
According to IOL, they both died on May 17 after eating allegedly poisoned mince meat bought from an Orange Grove, Joburg, supermarket.
Four other family members were hospitalised after eating the same mincemeat. However, they have since been discharged.
Mkhize was a third-year BCom student at the University of Johannesburg, while Maseko was in Grade 12 at King Edward VII School.
The self-exiled Moyo lost his 20-year-old daughter, Zanele Naledi Ntombizodwa Moyo, who was a student at the University of Cape Town in 2015.
She was found dead in her private off-campus flat.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/former-zim-ministers-two-nephews-die-of-suspected-food-poisoning-in-joburg-49195178" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">IOL News</a></h4>

Former Minister's Two Nephews Die Of Suspected Food Poisoning In SA

Three members of a family in Gwanda have died of suspected food poisoning. The tragedy was confirmed by Matabeleland South provincial police spokesperson, Chief Inspector Philisani Ndebele who said investigations were underway to establish the cause of the deaths.
Ndebele told The Chronicle that Jotham Sibanda (64) from Matshiye Village died on Saturday at home while his two grandchildren aged six and eight died, in that order, on Thursday at Mpilo and Friday at home. He said:
<blockquote>I can confirm that we recorded a case where a man and his two grandchildren aged six and eight years died in a suspected case of food poisoning. On May 7 in the morning Mrs Khohliso Sibanda prepared food which she ate with her husband and their three grandchildren aged six, eight and 12 years.</blockquote>
He said the trio was ferried to Gwanda Provincial Hospital where they were admitted after it started to vomit, suffer from diarrhoea and lose consciousness. The si-year-old child got worse and was further ferried to Mpilo where he died.
Food poisoning also known as foodborne illness is the result of eating contaminated, spoiled, or toxic food. The most common symptoms of food poisoning include <a class="content-link css-5r4717" href="https://www.healthline.com/symptom/nausea">nausea</a>, vomiting, and diarrhoea.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/food-poisoning-kills-3-family-members/">The Chronicle</a>

3 Family Members Die Of Suspected Food Poisoning

<a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Masvingo">Masvingo</a> Provincial Affairs minister, Shuvai Ben Mahofa avoided eating food served at the just-ended <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_African_National_Union_-_Patriotic_Front">Zanu PF </a>conference in Masvingo following last year’s food poisoning incident which saw her seeking treatment in South Africa.
However, close family members dismissed the food poisoning rumours as false, saying she had a chronic heart and kidney problem. NewsDay reports that at this year’s conference Mahofa was often seen driving home each time food was being served in the VVIP tent.
More: <a href="https://www.newsday.co.zw/2016/12/21/poisoned-mahofa-avoids-conference-food/">NewsDay</a>

Mahofa avoids eating food at Zanu PF conference in fear of being poisoned

Zanu PF’s political commissar <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Saviour_Kasukuwere">Saviour Kasukuwere</a> has dismissed allegations that people will be or have been poisoned at the Zanu PF conference.  The conference is starting tomorrow in Masvingo.    This comes after claims that Shuvai Mahofa, Mike Madiro,  <a href="http://www.pindula.co.zw/Samuel_Undenge">Samuel Undenge</a> and Simon Khaya Moyo were poisoned at party gatherings.
Kasukuwere said:
<blockquote>Where do you get those rumours and lies; who was poisoned here? Don’t try to throw spanners into our conference, don’t put innuendos and rumours, we are happy in our peaceful conference, leave us to do our work.</blockquote>
More: <a href="http://www.newzimbabwe.com/news-33709-Food+poisoning+fears+rock+Zanu+PF/news.aspx" target="_blank">New Zimbabwe</a>

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