Death toll rises to three in suspected food poisoning case in Kavango West
The death toll in a suspected food poisoning incident involving a family from Nzinze village in Kavango West’s Musese Constituency has risen to three, police have confirmed.
The incident was initially reported in the media after five family members reportedly fell ill after consuming a family meal consisting of fresh traditional vegetables, locally known as mutete, and porridge on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. The matter was not immediately reported to police and only came to their attention after it began circulating on social media.
Following police follow-up, an inquest docket was opened at the Kahenge Police Station. Police confirmed that a 12-year-old boy, Vendelinus Kangumbe Kudumo, died at the Nankudu State Hospital on 9 January 2026.
A second family member, 18-year-old Anastancia Kudumo, died on Sunday, 11 January 2026, while receiving treatment at the Rundu State Hospital. A third victim, the father, Adolf Hango Kudumo, later died at the same hospital on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Two family members survived the incident. The mother, Lydia Hausiku, and her granddaughter, Ihemba Theresia, were treated at Nankudu State Hospital and have since been discharged.
Police said food samples were collected from the household and sent for laboratory analysis. Investigations into the cause of the suspected poisoning are ongoing.
The incident was initially reported in the media after five family members reportedly fell ill after consuming a family meal consisting of fresh traditional vegetables, locally known as mutete, and porridge on Tuesday, 6 January 2026. The matter was not immediately reported to police and only came to their attention after it began circulating on social media.
Following police follow-up, an inquest docket was opened at the Kahenge Police Station. Police confirmed that a 12-year-old boy, Vendelinus Kangumbe Kudumo, died at the Nankudu State Hospital on 9 January 2026.
A second family member, 18-year-old Anastancia Kudumo, died on Sunday, 11 January 2026, while receiving treatment at the Rundu State Hospital. A third victim, the father, Adolf Hango Kudumo, later died at the same hospital on Tuesday, 13 January 2026.
Two family members survived the incident. The mother, Lydia Hausiku, and her granddaughter, Ihemba Theresia, were treated at Nankudu State Hospital and have since been discharged.
Police said food samples were collected from the household and sent for laboratory analysis. Investigations into the cause of the suspected poisoning are ongoing.
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