Four-year old boy dies, 23 hospitalised after consuming illicit brew in Shiwang’andu

A four-year-old boy has died and 23 others have been hospitalised after consuming a locally brewed alcoholic beverage known as Ifinyepe in Shiwang’andu District.

According to Muchinga Province Police Commissioner, Dennis Moola, the incident occurred between July 15 and 16, 2025.

The deceased child was the son of 46-year-old Charity Katongo, who is believed to have brewed the illicit drink.

“The boy was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital and was treated as brought in dead,” Moola said.

He explained that Katongo had prepared Ifinyepe, a traditional brew used to make Imvolo beer, and began selling it from her home the following day.

Shortly after consumption, several individuals reported symptoms including severe stomach aches, fever, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

While some victims were initially treated at a local clinic in Shiwang’andu, they were later referred to Kalalantekwe Mini Hospital.

A total of 23 people were eventually transferred to Chinsali General Hospital for further treatment.

“Twenty out of the 23 patients have since been discharged, while three remain hospitalised in stable condition,” Moola added.

Police have launched an investigation into the suspected case of food poisoning, and are expected to question those involved in the production and distribution of the illicit brew.

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