Mutare, Zimbabwe | Four men have tragically lost their lives, and two others are currently hospitalized after consuming a concoction made from the aloe vera plant at Gonorenda Homestead in Marange, Mutare.
The incident occurred on October 27, around 4 p.m., leaving the community in shock and mourning.
According to a statement from the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP), the fatal incident took place at a local gathering where a group of men ingested the aloe vera mixture.
Shortly afterward, four of the men began exhibiting severe symptoms and unfortunately succumbed to the effects of the concoction. Two others, who also drank the mixture, were quickly taken to Mutambara Mission Hospital, where they are currently receiving medical attention.
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In a statement, the ZRP confirmed, “The ZRP reports a sad incident in which four people died while two others were admitted at Mutambara Mission Hospital after drinking a concoction made from aloe vera plant at Gonorenda Homestead, Marange, Mutare on October 27, at around 4 p.m.”
Three of the deceased have been identified as Joseph Myambo (45), Brighton Gwenzi Chibhosho (27), and Kudakwashe Marambire (44), while the fourth victim has not yet been identified as authorities work with family members to confirm his identity.
Police have promised that further details will be made available as the investigation progresses.
The tragic event has raised concerns over the safety and possible toxicity of certain homemade herbal concoctions, including those involving aloe vera, which, although widely used for medicinal purposes, can be dangerous if improperly prepared or consumed in large quantities.
The exact contents and preparation method of the aloe vera concoction in this case are still unclear, and authorities may conduct further tests to understand its effects.
The community in Marange is mourning the sudden loss of the four men, while local officials and health experts have cautioned residents about the risks associated with consuming unregulated herbal remedies.
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