News / National
5 family members die after eating treated maize
4 hrs ago | Views
A tragedy has struck Dombodema Village in Mazetese communal lands, Mwenezi, where five people, believed to be members of the same family, have died after allegedly consuming mealie-meal made from treated maize seed.
The shocking incident has left the local community in disbelief, prompting an urgent investigation by authorities. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the deaths and said police had dispatched a team to the area.
"I can confirm the death of five people in Mwenezi after they ate food prepared using mealie-meal produced from treated maize seed," said Commissioner Nyathi. "Investigations are ongoing, and full details will be released this morning."
According to initial reports, the maize had been washed before being milled into mealie-meal, but it appears the treatment chemicals used on the seed remained toxic.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of consuming treated maize seed, which is often coated with pesticides or fungicides meant for agricultural purposes and is not safe for human consumption.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid using treated maize seed for food and to strictly adhere to agricultural guidelines.
More information is expected as investigations continue, with the community mourning the loss of the family in this tragic incident.
The shocking incident has left the local community in disbelief, prompting an urgent investigation by authorities. National police spokesperson Commissioner Paul Nyathi confirmed the deaths and said police had dispatched a team to the area.
"I can confirm the death of five people in Mwenezi after they ate food prepared using mealie-meal produced from treated maize seed," said Commissioner Nyathi. "Investigations are ongoing, and full details will be released this morning."
According to initial reports, the maize had been washed before being milled into mealie-meal, but it appears the treatment chemicals used on the seed remained toxic.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of consuming treated maize seed, which is often coated with pesticides or fungicides meant for agricultural purposes and is not safe for human consumption.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid using treated maize seed for food and to strictly adhere to agricultural guidelines.
More information is expected as investigations continue, with the community mourning the loss of the family in this tragic incident.
Source - The Herald
