‘We decided to wait before funeral preparations’

A Rundu family has been left terrified after two members died from food poisoning.

The family of six allegedly ate pap with fresh beans from their crop field at Sharukwe village in the Kavango West region last Thursday.

Out of the four children, two – Andreas Andreas (10) and Joseph Kasera (15) – subsequently died at Rundu State Hospital.
Andreas Kasera (48) and another son in the family are currently fighting for their lives in hospital.

Kasera’s brother, Joseph Gedion, says the incident is terrifying.

“We have lost two loved ones, and my brother and his son are still fighting for their lives,” he told The Namibian yesterday.

Gedion said the family has not made any funeral arrangements yet.

“We decided to wait before we start with the preparations, because we do not know what tomorrow will bring as there’s two more in the intensive care unit,” he said.

Kavango West regional commander commissioner Julia Sakuwa-Neo has confirmed the incident, saying: “It’s alleged that six victims from the same family household ate porridge from the drought-relief programme with fresh beans from their crop field.”

She says the food was prepared by Kasera’s wife.

“The same evening the victims started experiencing pain in their stomachs, and all of them were taken to Rundu State Hospital for treatment,” the commissioner says.

One of the children, Regina Kasera, as well as her mother, Musongo Engelbertha, have been discharged from the hospital.

“Andreas Chilemo (13) and Kasera have been admitted to the intensive care unit at Rundu State Hospital in critical condition,” Sakuwa-Neo says.

“Investigations are ongoing from the sample collection from the victim’s house,” she adds.

Sakuwa-Neo says an inquest docket was opened after the two boys died.

Ncuncuni constituency councillor Leopoldine Nseu says food poisoning in her constituency is concerning.

“Members of the community consume this food on a daily basis. We do not know what is happening,” she says.

Nseu highlights a lack of proper feedback from the Ministry of Health and Social Services in identifying the disease or virus affecting the individuals.

“The health ministry must educate us on their findings when people are suspected to have food poisoning,” she says.
Nseu says this is the third case of families suffering food poisoning in her constituency.

“I don’t know whether there’s bacteria or a virus in the atmosphere,” she says.

Nseu says she has been in contact with different ministerial organisations and regional leaders to assist the family.

Kavango West governor Verna Sinimbo says the public should prioritise their safety during a recent visit at the victims’ homestead at Sharukwe village.

“I am expressing my condolences to the grieving family and I urge the community to remain vigilant about food safety,” Sinimbo said.

She highlighted the need for unity between the community and the government in preventing similar incidents.

Sinimbo and her delegation also visited Kasera and his son at the hospital.

“The government will continue to monitor their recovery and provide necessary support through the relevant authorities,” Sinimbo assured.

She was accompanied by regional chairperson Joseph Sivaku, Nseu, and Swapo Kavango West regional coordinator Elina Diparo.

Ministry of Health and Social Services spokesperson Walter Kamaya says the ministry is committed to educating the public to avoid similar incidents from occurring.

“Two other family members, Kasera’s wife and daughter, are reported to have not suffered any symptoms or only minor ones, and two died,” Kamaya says.

He yesterday told The Namibian the father and son, who are still admitted, are responding to medication and are in stable critical condition.

“As a result of these deaths, full details of circumstances from the parents are not currently available,” Kamaya stated.

He said when the surveillance team visited the homestead, no one could provide concrete information.

“The ministry cannot give more details at the moment since two members are still admitted, and considering the status of the affected family members,” Kamaya said.

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