Tinotenda Hove -MASVINGO – Tragedy struck the Mashava area in Masvingo after two children died and 14 others were hospitalised following a suspected case of food poisoning during a traditional beer ceremony.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) national spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the incident, saying investigations were underway.

“The Zimbabwe Republic Police is investigating a sad incident where two children died while 14 others, who include seven adults and four children, are critically ill after attending a traditional beer ceremony in Mashava area, Masvingo, on 27th October 2025,” said Commissioner Nyathi.

According to police, the families reportedly ate sadza and drank mahewu during the ceremony before several of them suddenly fell ill with severe stomach pains.

“The children and adults fell ill with stomach pains resulting in the death of two minors aged three and seven years,” Commissioner Nyathi said.

Police confirmed that “four children and seven adults are currently in critical condition at Masvingo General Hospital while three others are receiving treatment at Mashava Clinic.”

Commissioner Nyathi added that investigations into the cause of the poisoning are ongoing, saying “more details will be released in due course.”

The heartbreaking incident has left the local community in shock, with authorities urging members of the public to exercise caution and report any suspected cases of food contamination.