This archive report was first published on 12 May 2020.
On May 12, 2020, a 40-year-old man from Kimangeti Village in Malava Sub-County tragically lost his life after consuming a concoction of herbs.
The concoction, which was given to him by a neighbour, caused severe stomach pains for the man and his five children, who were also hospitalised shortly after consuming it.
According to the man's widow, Jackline Luvonga, the neighbour had given the family the herbs to boil, claiming they would cure stomach problems.
However, the situation quickly worsened, with the victims beginning to vomit blood and losing consciousness.
Ms Luvonga rushed her family to Malava Hospital, where her husband was pronounced dead on arrival.
Her children are still recovering in hospital and have not regained consciousness.
In her defence, the neighbour who prescribed the traditional medicine claimed that the victims failed to follow her instructions, leading to the death.
However, Malava Sub County Police Commander Peter Mwanzo warned locals against using unauthorised herbs, stating that they pose a significant risk to public health.
He attributed the rise in cases of locals resorting to traditional medicine to the fear of being quarantined and the economic challenges caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
