Kariba 'blood-vomiting' deaths explained

Fresh details have emerged about decades-long reports of mysterious deaths in Chief Mola's area in Nyaminyami Rural District, Kariba, where residents have long complained of victims vomiting blood and developing swollen abdomens before dying.

Local leaders, politicians and health officials now say the conditions are likely linked to chronic schistosomiasis (stomach bilharzia), a parasitic disease associated with contaminated water sources.

Former Kariba MP Isaac Mackenzie said the issue has persisted for decades without sustained intervention, while current legislator Shine Collins Gwangwaba said he has witnessed more than 40 suspected cases in his lifetime, calling for urgent government action.

Veteran journalist Shame Makoshori also confirmed the long-running nature of the problem, describing it as a "systemic failure" to address a recurring rural health crisis.

Health experts cited in the reports say severe, untreated schistosomiasis can lead to liver damage and complications that cause internal bleeding, which may explain the blood-vomiting symptoms reported by villagers. Proposed interventions include mass drug administration and specialist procedures to treat advanced cases.

Authorities from the Zimbabwe National Water Authority said the matter falls outside their mandate, while the Environmental Management Agency urged caution pending final confirmation from the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

The Ministry has reportedly begun assessing the situation and is considering treatment programmes, though funding constraints remain a key challenge.

Residents in affected wards continue to express fear and uncertainty as the long-standing health concern persists.