As hunger takes its toll
-5 family members die after consuming Sadza from treated seeds
MWENEZI-As hunger continues to bite in the arid district of Mwenezi, the Sovelele community was plunged into mourning following the death of five family members who had consumed Sadza made from treated maize seed mealie meal.

Sources who informed The Midweek Watch said the sad incident happened on Saturday afternoon as the family was having lunch.
“The husband and wife brought some maize seeds from South Africa where they work and they planted some of the seeds but failed to germinate.
“The wife decided to wash the remaining seeds and took it to the grinding meal. The girl who took the maize to the grinding meal reported that the mealie meal was smelling some chemicals and refused to eat the Sadza, the father refused to eat as well.
“The other five members ate and did not last long and by 4pm they had all died without giving us a chance to take them to the hospital,” said the source.
Masvingo Province Secretary for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr. Addmore Pazvakambwa said he will get in touch with the Mwenezi DDC, Police and Minister of State to confirm the incident and map the way forward.
Masvingo Province police spokesperson Inspector Kudakwashe Dhewa said he is checking for the information as he had not been briefed about the incident.
The five are from Dombodema Village, Sovelele under Chief Mazetese in Mwenezi and they are aged 35; 6; 2 and 35 while the other one’s age was not given.