Three children of same family die in suspected food poisoning incident in Lusaka

The Zambia Police Service in Lusaka has launched investigations into a suspected food poisoning incident that has claimed the lives of three children from the same family in Kabanana Compound.

Police Public Relations Officer, Godfrey Chilabi, confirmed the development in a statement, saying the incident was reported on January 5, 2026, around 15:00 hours.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that on January 3, 2026, around 20:00 hours, six family members allegedly consumed a meal prepared at home consisting of nshima, pumpkin leaves locally known as chibwabwa, soya pieces and sour milk,” Chilabi said.

He explained that around midnight, all six family members began experiencing severe symptoms, including stomach pains, diarrhoea and vomiting.

Chilabi said the victims were rushed to Chipata First Level One Hospital on January 4, where one child, Getrude Sibongile Mutombeni, aged one year, was pronounced dead.

“The remaining five family members were later referred to Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital, where another child, Royd Mutombeni, aged six years, died around 18:00 hours on the same day,” he stated.

He further disclosed that a third child, Bongani Mutombeni, aged eight years, died on January 5, 2026, around 04:00 hours, while the parents survived and have since been discharged after receiving treatment.

“The bodies of the deceased children are currently at Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital and the University Teaching Hospital, awaiting postmortem examinations to establish the exact cause of death,” Chilabi said.

He added that an inquiry file has been opened and investigations are ongoing.

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