By: Annakleta Haikera
At least four people have died, while several others were hospitalised following five separate suspected food-poisoning incidents reported across the Kavango East and Kavango West regions since the beginning of January.
The deadliest incident occurred earlier this month at Nzinze village in Kavango West, where three members of the same family – a father and his two daughters – died after consuming a meal suspected to have been contaminated. The victims reportedly fell ill shortly after eating and died later on despite receiving medical attention.
In another tragic case, a 12-year-old girl died after consuming traditional spinach, locally known as “mboga.” Health officials also suspect food poisoning as the cause of death, with investigations still underway.
Also at Nzinze village, several children were hospitalised after eating wild berries believed to be toxic. The children developed symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pains and were treated at a local health facility.
On Friday, 23 January, several people were hospitalised after consuming Mopane worms, a commonly-eaten traditional delicacy. Those affected were said to have experienced stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. No deaths were reported, and all patients were later discharged.
The most recent incident involved hostel learners at Katjinakatji School in Kavango West, who were rushed to health facilities after allegedly consuming expired bread and polony. Health authorities have confirmed that all learners are in stable conditions, with no fatalities reported.
Katjinakatji School principal Sebedeus Sihungu told The Villager that 28 learners were transferred to Rundu State Hospital for further treatment.
“Shortly after eating, pupils began experiencing stomach cramps, nausea and diarrhoea,” Sihungu said.
He attributed the possible spoilage to unstable electricity supply in Katjinakatji village, where power outages can last up to four hours, affecting refrigeration.
Sihungu added that the matter has been reported to the regional directorate of education and stressed the urgent need for a backup generator at the hostel.
Concerns were also raised about the food supplier, who operates one truck servicing multiple schools across the region. The truck is not fitted with a cooling system, despite the region’s humid conditions. Sihungu said the school has on several occasions received spoiled food, and a detailed report will be submitted to the regional directorate.
The Director of Health in Kavango West, Fransiska Hamutenya, urged the public to avoid consuming expired food, ensure proper preparation of traditional foods, and seek immediate medical attention when symptoms of possible poisoning occur.
Meanwhile, Rundu Rural Constituency councillor Paulus Mbangu called on government to address recurring food-poisoning incidents in both Kavango regions.
“I don’t know how many people the government is waiting to die before they act. Cabinet must come up with a special programme for these two regions,” Mbangu said.
He cited poverty, food safety failures and lack of local laboratory capacity as key contributing factors.
“Many lives were lost, and poverty plays a big role. This has been happening, but not much has been done,” he added.
Providing further clarification, Kavango West Regional Council public relations officer, Mathew Hamutenya, said the Katjinakatji incident occurred after learners consumed bread and polony on Saturday, 24 January, and Sunday, 25 January 2026.
Of the 430 learners who consumed the food, 113 sought medical attention, with 28 transferred to Rundu State Hospital. Of these, 25 were discharged the same day, while the remaining three were discharged on Tuesday, 27 January 2026.
Medical assessments confirmed that no toxic substances were detected, and symptoms were consistent with general stomach aches, not poisoning.
Hamutenya said the Council remains committed to safeguarding learner health. A head office team was dispatched on Monday, 25 January 2026, while a regional delegation led by the Chief Regional Officer is scheduled to visit the school on Wednesday, 28 January 2026, for further assessment.
