23 people poisoned in Luanshya District

23 people poisoned in Luanshya District

Luanshya, August 28,  2014,  ZANIS—Over 23 people are battling for their lives in Roan General hospital in Luanshya after consuming a suspected poisonous traditional brew popularly known as Munkoyo at a funeral house in Roan township.

The victims who were returning from the burial of Paul Mumba, 54 of house number 9923/2BB Roan Township took food and the traditional drink.

Diarrhea broke out among the mourners who were rushed to roan general hospital for medical attention.

ZANIS in Luanshya reports that Police confirmed the development in a telephone interview, today.

Copperbelt Province Police Commanding officer Joyce Kasosa said the victims include 15 women, 6 children and 2 men who exhibited Diarrhoea, fever, headache and stomach upsets and have since been admitted to Roan general hospital.

She said police has since instituted investigations into the matter and where waiting for results from the hospital which had taken samples of the suspected poisonous drink for preliminary investigations.

A ZANIS crew that visited hospital was denied access into the hospital wards as the hospital Superintendent responsible for issuing permission and statements was reported to be out of office.

And relative to one of the patients, Annabel Chansa said the source of the poisoning was not certain as the people had taken food as well as the Munkoyo which where both prepared at the funeral house.