37-Year-Old Dies Following Binge on Unregulated ‘Whisky’ in Chinhoyi

A 37-year-old man has died after reportedly consuming five bottles of illicit alcohol at a popular informal drinking spot known as “Pamukoto” near the Main Rank Bus Terminus in Chinhoyi.

The incident occurred around 10am when the man, whose name was not released by police, allegedly accepted a drinking challenge involving the consumption of unregulated alcohol commonly referred to as “Hudson.”

According to relatives, the man had initially gone to the area to buy cigarettes but was invited to join a group of patrons consuming the illicit spirit.

“A man challenged him to drink the ‘whisky’ and paid US$5 for it. He drank five bottles, three of which were undiluted,” said a family member.

After the binge, he reportedly refused another alcoholic beverage and collapsed. Bystanders attempted to revive him by giving him milk, a common but unproven remedy for alcohol poisoning, before transporting him to hospital using a pushcart due to lack of transport funds.

His younger brother, Willard Machemba, confirmed that he was the one who took him to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“He drank the whisky without mixing it. Sadly, it killed him. We buried him here in Chinhoyi,” Machemba said.

The family also revealed that this was not the first time the man had suffered health complications after consuming the same type of alcohol. On a previous occasion, he had been hospitalised after drinking four bottles of undiluted Hudson.

The death has reignited concerns among local residents over the widespread availability and consumption of unregulated alcohol in informal drinking spots. Many have called on authorities to increase enforcement and crack down on illegal alcohol sales, which continue to pose serious public health risks.

As of publication, there was no official comment from police or health authorities regarding investigations into the incident or the composition of the illicit alcohol consumed.

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