Two people die from snake bites in Mat North

The Chronicle newspaper reports that two people have died after being bitten by snakes in Matabeleland North province on separate occasions.

Confirming the deaths on Tuesday, Matabeleland North police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Siphiwe Makonese urged villagers to clear shrubs at their homesteads.

"The first incident happened in Lupane at Solobela Village under Chief Mabhikwa at around 1 pm on 28 February. The now deceased James Mpala (16) was on his way to Shangani River to fish when he was bitten by a snake on the right foot," said Asst Insp Makonese.

She said the boy went home and informed his grandmother.

"The grandmother noticed that he was sweating and frothing from the mouth. He was also vomiting and his condition deteriorated before he could be taken to hospital and died," said Asst Insp Makonese.

She said the second incident happened on 4 March in Inyathi at Braemar area at about 2am.

"The now deceased Idah Nxumalo (56) retired to bed with her husband, Mr Kenneth Ncube aged 65. At around 2 am she started complaining of sharp pains on her right shoulder.

Her husband woke up, lit a torch and found a cobra on the side of the blankets and instantly killed it," said Asst Insp Makonese.

She said Mr Ncube discovered that the snake had bitten his wife and tried to treat the wound with herbs before rushing to his neighbour.

"On his way back, he found his wife dead and made a report to police in Inyathi," she said.

Asst Insp Makonese urged villagers to avoid bushy areas and to walk with caution.

She also urged villagers to rush victims of snake bites to hospitals and other health centres.