Man dies after drinking guchu

A 48-year-old man from Ngundu, Masvingo, has died after drinking two litres of a sexual enhancement concoction, locally known as guchu, police have confirmed.

Knowledge Chikafu of Mutsimba Village, Headman Gororo, in Chivi began vomiting shortly after consuming the mixture on Sunday around 2 PM. He was initially taken to Gororo Clinic by his brother, Peter Chikafu, before being referred to Chivi District Hospital. As his condition worsened, he was transferred to Masvingo Provincial Hospital, where he died on Wednesday evening. A postmortem is yet to be conducted.

Masvingo Police Deputy Spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Masauso Patinyu, said authorities have arrested 71-year-old Juliet Majoni of Chikamure Village, Headman Madzivire, Chivi, who allegedly sold the concoction to Chikafu. Police have also recovered a bucket purportedly used to mix the concoctions.

Patinyu urged the public to avoid purchasing and consuming unregulated substances from unlicensed practitioners, warning of the potential fatal consequences.

"As the Police, we encourage citizens not to buy concoctions from unlicensed practitioners to avoid unnecessary loss of life," he said.