Stepmother flees after minor brothers succumb to suspected food poisoning

Police have launched a manhunt for a woman after two brothers from Rusape died at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare following a suspected food poisoning incident.

The victims, Emmanuel Makarimai (14) and Tanaka Makarimai (12), were pupils at Mabvazuwa Primary School, where they were enrolled in Grade Seven and Grade Five, respectively.

The brothers reportedly fell ill after eating ice cream and later complained of severe stomach pains before being rushed to hospital for treatment.

Police are now seeking to question the boys’ stepmother, Vimbai Mushava, who is alleged to have disappeared from Parirenyatwa Hospital before the children were admitted. The boys’ father is reportedly based in Poland.

Mabvazuwa Primary School headmaster Bennedict Dadaya confirmed the deaths to The Manica Post and said the tragedy had left the school community devastated.

“The elder brother was no longer attending lessons as he had completed his examinations. The Grade Five pupil last reported to school on Monday. From Tuesday onwards, he was absent, and we did not know why he was not attending school,” said Dadaya.

According to information received by the school, the children had been living with their stepmother, who later travelled with them to Harare.

“I am told they were staying with a stepmother. I heard she took them to Harare and that they were given a lift by another individual,” he said.

Dadaya said reports indicate that the children became violently ill shortly after consuming ice cream.

“The children ate some ice cream and started vomiting and complaining of severe stomach pains. The driver then rushed the mother and the children to Parirenyatwa Hospital,” he said.

However, the woman allegedly disappeared before the children could be admitted for treatment.

“Whilst at the hospital, it is said the mother disappeared before they were admitted. The driver is the one who ended up doing the paperwork for the children to receive medical attention,” Dadaya said.

“We are so saddened as a school to lose such young souls. We are devastated.”