Police in Lusaka have launched investigations into a suspected food poisoning incident that has claimed the lives of three children from the same family in Kabanana Compound.
Police received a report on January 5, 2026, around 15:00 hours, indicating that the family had allegedly consumed contaminated food prepared at home, which led to the fatalities.
Preliminary investigations indicate that on January 3, 2026, around 20:00 hours, six family members allegedly consumed a meal consisting of nshima, pumpkin leaves locally known as chibwabwa, soya pieces, and sour milk. Around midnight, all six individuals began experiencing symptoms, including stomach pains, diarrhoea, and vomiting.
On January 4, 2026, the victims were rushed to Chipata First Level One Hospital, where one child, Getrude Sibongile Mutombeni, aged one (1) year, died. The remaining five were later referred to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, where another child, Royd Mutombeni, aged six (6) years, died at around 18:00 hours on the same day.
On January 5, 2026, around 04:00 hours, a third child, Bongani Mutombeni, aged eight (8) years, also passed away.
The parents received treatment and have since been discharged in stable condition.
The bodies of the deceased children are currently at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital, pending postmortem examinations to establish the exact cause of death.
An inquiry file has been opened, and investigations are ongoing.This is according to a statement issued by police public relations officer Godfrey Chilabi.
-Diamond TV