Man dies after alleged poisoning incident following break‑up

MUTARE - A Penhalonga man died on Christmas Day after ingesting a harmful substance, an act police say followed days of emotional distress triggered by a relationship breakdown.

According to Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the man, identified only as Madziro, had visited his girlfriend in Penhalonga on Unity Day, 22 December, around 9 PM. During the visit, the girlfriend reportedly informed him that she was ending the relationship, citing concerns over his alleged excessive drinking.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said Madziro struggled to accept the break‑up and left the residence visibly distressed.

On Christmas Day, he briefly returned and told his girlfriend he was heading to Mutare's central business district. He later came back around 4 PM holding a beer container and appeared unwell.

"He sat on the floor and began vomiting. When asked what had happened, he disclosed that he had consumed a poisonous substance mixed with alcohol," Chinyoka said.

He was rushed to Old Mutare Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival. His body was taken to Victoria Chitepo Hospital for a post‑mortem.

Police say investigations are ongoing and have urged communities to seek peaceful, non‑harmful ways of resolving domestic disputes, stressing the importance of reaching out for help during emotional crises.