By White Luhanga
An 18-year-old boy in Nakonde District has died after accidentally poisoning himself with pesticide by eating a watermelon without washing his hands, after putting the pesticide in maize grains.
Muchinga Province Police Commanding Officer Dennis Moola confirmed the incident stating it occurred on 25 October, 2025 around 14:14 hours.
Mr. Moola identified the deceased as Nicholas Simwaka from Katozi village in Chief Waitwika.
The brief facts of the matter are that Nicholas, along with his mother and other family members, was at home around 15:00 hours mixing zinc pesticide with maize grains using bare hands.
Mr. Moola says later, around 16:00 hours, while still at home, he touched and ate a watermelon without washing his hands.
The Police Commanding Officer says that after some time, Nicholas began experiencing stomach pains and vomiting, accompanied by the odor of the pesticide.
Mr. Moola says Nicholas was rushed to Nakonde District Hospital around 02:45 hours, where he received treatment until his death around 14:14 hours.
The body has been deposited into Nakonde District Hospital mortuary pending burial arrangements.
An inquiry has been opened, with no suspicion of foul play.
Ends