The Sunday News
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Gwanda Correspondent
A 34-year-old Mangwe woman died after eating food that had been allegedly prepared by her mother-in-law in a suspected case of food poisoning.
Vongayi Nhidzo of Madabe area died on Sunday last week around 1am. The village head of the area, Mr Thamsanqa Dube said Nhidzo ate sadza which was prepared by her mother-in-law, Ms Aconia Dube on Saturday around 8pm and later started complaining of stomach pains.
“There is a woman from my area who died on Sunday morning after complaining of stomach pains which developed soon after she ate her supper.
Nhidzo was staying with her mother-in-law in Madabe area. On Saturday her mother-in-law prepared sadza and meat for their supper and they ate around 8pm. A few moments later Nhidzo started complaining of stomach pains. She drank some herbs and the pain lessened and they retired to bed,” he said.
Mr Dube said Nhidzo woke up around 1am complaining that her stomach pains had worsened. He said she started vomiting and developed problems in breathing. Mr Dube said Nhidzo proceeded to the kitchen to get water to drink and when her mother-in-law followed she found her lying on the floor frothing on the mouth.
“Aconia Dube rushed to her neighbours to seek help. When she returned with her neighbours Nhidzo was no longer breathing. They rushed her to Madabe Clinic where she was pronounced dead. The family is waiting for a post-mortem report but Nhidzo is suspected to have reacted to the food she ate as she fell ill soon after eating the food. The family also revealed that they didn’t know of any animosity that existed between Nhidzo and her mother-in-law as they were living in harmony,” he said.
Chief Wasi whose jurisdiction covers Madabe area said he had received a report on the issue although he was not aware of what fully transpired. He said a post-mortem report would help clarify what really caused Nhidzo’s death.
Chief Wasi said Nhidzo’s death was so sudden and had caused grief not only to her family but the entire community.
