Two Marange Sisters Die After Eating Pesticide-Contaminated Vegetables

A heartbreaking tragedy has struck the Marange community after two young sisters died within hours of consuming vegetables believed to have been sprayed with pesticide.

The victims, identified as Mercy Murehwa (9) and Rudo Murehwa (11), reportedly fell ill on 26 October after eating vegetables harvested from a garden that had been chemically treated only days earlier.

Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka, the Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson, confirmed the incident, describing it as a suspected case of sudden death by poisoning.

“Preliminary findings suggest that the vegetables eaten by the minors had recently been sprayed with a pesticide,” he said.

According to police, the events trace back to 22 October, when the girls’ mother, Chipo Marange, was hired by Ms Spiwe Chinemo of Mapeta Village to water and apply pesticide to her vegetable garden. The chemical used was Imidacloprid, a commonly used insecticide.

Four days later, Chipo returned to the garden with her three children — Mercy, Rudo, and five-year-old Batsirai. During the visit, Rudo picked some vegetables, which the family later cooked for supper.

Chipo reportedly did not eat the meal, saying the portion was too small for everyone.

Trouble started the next morning when Mercy began vomiting and complained of severe stomach pains around 11 a.m. Rudo soon experienced similar symptoms later in the afternoon.

“By evening, Mercy’s condition had deteriorated. Her mother sought help from a neighbour, Ms Sheilla Marange, but the child had already died by the time they returned home,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

“As they rushed Rudo to a nearby clinic, she also collapsed and died about a kilometre from their homestead,” he added.

The bodies were taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Mutare before being transferred to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare for post-mortem and toxicology analysis. Samples of the vegetables and the pesticide were collected for forensic testing.

Police said Chipo admitted that she was aware the vegetables had been sprayed but allowed her children to eat them due to food shortages.

“She did not seek immediate medical help when the children first complained of pain. This is a preventable tragedy, and we are awaiting toxicology results before determining any possible legal action,” Chinyoka said.

According to The ManicaPost, the National Prosecuting Authority will decide whether to press charges against the mother once the toxicology results are released.

Police have since issued a stern warning about the improper use and storage of agricultural chemicals.

“Pesticides are extremely toxic if mishandled. Users must strictly follow manufacturer instructions and always observe the waiting period before consuming sprayed produce,” warned Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.
“Even minimal residue can be dangerous, particularly to children. Farmers and households should also ensure these substances are safely stored and kept away from minors.”

The community remains in deep mourning as investigations continue into the incident that has highlighted the deadly consequences of unsafe pesticide use.