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The Zambia Police Service has launched an investigation into a suspected food poisoning incident reported in Senga District, Northern Province, which has claimed the lives of two juveniles.
On December 20, 2025, around 12:00 hours, police received a report from a member of the community concerning a suspected food poisoning incident involving Memory Mukuka, aged 35, and her children, who allegedly consumed food believed to be poisonous.
Police Spokesperson, Godfrey Chilabi, confirmed the incident in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the incident occurred between December 17 and December 19, 2025, in Nondo Area of Senga District.
“It is alleged that the victims fell ill after consuming nshima with cassava leaves, locally known as katapa,” Chilabi said.
He said the family was rushed to Nondo Rural Health Centre, where they were admitted for treatment.
However, while receiving medical attention, the condition of two children, Steven Siame, aged 16, and Abigail Nayame, aged 15, deteriorated and they were later pronounced dead.
Chilabi said the bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at Senga District Hospital Mortuary, pending post-mortem examinations to establish the exact cause of death.
“The mother and the remaining two children have been discharged after their condition was assessed and found to be stable,” he said.
Police have since opened an inquiry file, and investigations into the matter are ongoing. Chilabi said the public would be updated as more information becomes available.
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