4 family members die after a meal

Police have opened investigations into mysterious deaths of four Masvingo family members who died after having a meal, national police spokesperson has said.

The family members, who died after having their meal in Zimuto area, Nago village, died early this week in what is suspected to be food poisoning

National Police spokesperson, Paul Nyathi said Angeline Mabhiza (32) prepared a meal for the family which included her nephew, Lenos Masunda (7), Farai Mabhiza (19 months) and Taurai Mabhiza (5) which she served only for the three other members to collapse and die minutes after consuming the food.

"The three (excluding Angeline) became unconscious soon after eating the meal and were noticed by school kids who alerted other villagers. Police were called in but by the time they arrived they had died while Angeline died upon admission at Gutu hospital," Nyathi said.

"Police have so far taken the pots and all other accessories for forensic examinations as we battle to get to the truth of this matter," Nyathi said, adding that, "We are appealing to anyone who might know of what happened to assist us".

Meanwhile, three traffic police officers have been kidnapped by "errant Kombi drivers" on three different occasions as the battle between commuter omnibuses and cops rages on.

Nyathi said one of the Kombi drivers, who tried to kidnap police officers after being arrested, is now in police custody and is being charged with attempted
murder and violating the country's traffic laws.