Vuwani police have opened an inquest docket following the death of a 3-year-old toddler, Tshimangadzo Victor Luvhimbi of Tshitungulwane-Miziafera outside Vuwani, amid al-legations that he had eaten poisoned food.

Seven other family members of the same family were admitted to Tshilidzini when they also suffered from running stomachs, after allegedly eating food at their home.

Family members initially promised to talk about the incident, but they later said they would not talk about their ordeal, because “we are still in mourn-ing.” The Mirror was, however, able to piece together some information collected from members of the local civic as well as the police.

Mr Takalani Ramuhashi, chairperson of the Tshimbupfe branch of Sanco said as community leaders they have not been able to interview the family since they have all been admitted to hospital. “It is a family of eight, one died and seven are still being hospitalised,” he said. He said the community was shocked since it is the first incident of its nature.

“We are more worried because we do not know the source of the poison as it could possibly affect more people,” said Ramuhashi. He said the civic called on members of the community to support the family, because there is no breadwinner. “There is an old man in the family whom we have just found out does not receive any pension grant and we will do our utmost to take his case to the relevant authorities,” he said.

Police spokesperson, Insp Elijah Malatjie said the information is that Victor just collapsed at home after coming from the playing ground where he was playing soccer. It is alleged that he collapsed when arriving home and his condition deteriorated. His mother asked him what the problem was and he said he was hungry, said the police.

He was later given food and since he was becoming weak, he was taken to the local clinic. The nurses checked him, but his condition worsened.

The nurse called the ambulance, but on its arrival, he was certified dead.

The mother of the child is Rofhiwa Mudau (24), who was also hospitalised.