Eight students from Matoranhembe Primary School in Murombedzi, Mashonaland West, were hospitalized after eating what authorities suspect was poisoned food brought by one of their classmates.

According to the police, the children experienced vomiting and severe stomach pains after consuming rice and soup packed by a parent and given with specific instructions.

The parent reportedly prepared two lunch boxes and provided the child with detailed instructions on sharing the food.

National police spokesman Commissioner Paul Nyathi stated, “The Zimbabwe Republic Police is conducting investigations in connection with a case of suspected food poisoning which occurred at Matoranhembe Primary School, Murombedzi, on June 7, 2024.

“Eight pupils allegedly started vomiting while complaining of stomach pains after they had consumed rice and soup which had been packed in a lunch box. The pupils were ferried to Murombedzi Rural Hospital for treatment.”

Nyathi added that the investigation revealed a fellow student brought the lunch boxes containing homemade food after receiving them from their mother.

The parent allegedly instructed the child on how to distribute the food, leading to suspicions that one of the lunch boxes might have been intentionally contaminated with poison.