Three die from food poisoning over two weeks in Kavango West

By: Staff Reporter

Three people died from suspected food poisoning at Nzinze Mbura village in the Kavango West Region over a period of two weeks, police have confirmed.

The victims, who were all related, reportedly fell ill after consuming a home-prepared meal of traditional hibiscus vegetables (mutete) and porridge on 6 January.

Shortly after the meal, several family members developed severe symptoms associated with food poisoning.

The first victim, 12-year-old Vendelinus Kangumbe Kudumo, died at Nankudu State Hospital on 9 January.

Two other relatives, 18-year-old Anastancia Kudumo and the family patriarch, Adolf Hango Kudumo, later died while receiving treatment at Rundu State Hospital, bringing the death toll to three.

Two survivors, the children’s mother, Lydia Hausiku, and her granddaughter, Theresia Ihemba, were treated after showing similar symptoms and were later discharged.

Kavango West police commander Commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo said an inquest docket has been opened at Kahenge Police Station, and food samples have been collected from the household for laboratory testing.

Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the suspected poisoning.

Last year, two children died at Sarukwe village after consuming food suspected to have been contaminated, while several others were hospitalised.

The region has also recorded non-fatal outbreaks, including a 2025 incident in which 19 people were admitted to hospital after drinking oshikundu, a traditional fermented beverage reportedly made from insect-infested maize meal.