: Poisonous Mushroom kills six in Beatrice

Poisonous Mushroom kills six in Beatrice
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zno editor on 23 February, 2010 01:18:00
 
Mashonaland East acting police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thando Madhoyo
said two people who died at Chitungwiza Hospital were part of a family of six
that was hospitalised after eating poisonous mushrooms.
Two other family members — a seven-year-old girl and her nine-year-old sister
— died earlier. He said Constance Jossam (3) and Remembrance Dzumbunu (13) ate
the mushrooms picked by Maria Kwenda of Kerryboom Farm.
Kwenda is the mother of the two deceased girls. The bodies were at Chitungwiza
General Hospital mortuary for post-mortems.
In a related incident, Shingirirai Mupfuti (35) and her 15-year- old daughter
Eunice Bauti of Albion Farm in Beatrice also died of suspected mushroom
poisoning.
Asst Insp Madhoyo said Mupfuti picked the mushrooms on Friday from a bush near
their home.
"The two complained of terrible stomach pains that night.
"On Saturday, they went to Beatrice Hospital and were immediately transferred to
Chitungwiza General Hospital.
"They were, however, pronounced dead on Sunday and their bodies are also at
Chitungwiza General Hospital awaiting a post-mortem," Asst Insp Madhoyo said.
Police have urged people not to eat mushrooms they are not familiar with, as
some types are highly toxic.
Asst Insp Madhoyo said even experienced mushroom gatherers were at risk and
people should simply avoid ingesting anything they are not sure of.