75-year-old man dies after consuming illicit alcohol

A 75-year-old man from Banga Village in Marange was found dead by the roadside last week in a case linked to excessive consumption of illicit alcohol.

The deceased has been identified as John Chimhutu.

Acting Manicaland provincial police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Wiseman Chinyoka confirmed the incident, saying police in Marange received a report about the discovery of the body.

Chinyoka said Chimhutu left his daughter’s homestead in Murehwa Village, under Chief Marange, at around 5 am on 26 October.

Later that morning, he was seen by Nyasha Mushati, who was on his way to the fields.

“He left his daughter’s homestead on October 26 at about 5 am in Murehwa Village under Chief Marange. Later that morning, he was seen by Nyasha Mushati, who was on his way to the fields. Chimhutu was carrying an illicit alcoholic brew and talking to himself,” said Assistant Inspector Chinyoka.

Witnesses became concerned after seeing him appearing disoriented while carrying the illicit brew.

The body was later found lying lifeless by the roadside at around 2 pm by Trymore Chimhutu of Banga Village, who reported the matter to Marange Police Station.

Police attended the scene, and the body was taken to Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem examination.

Assistant Inspector Chinyoka said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the death are continuing.

Police have urged members of the public to desist from consuming illicit alcoholic beverages, warning that excessive consumption can have fatal consequences and pose serious health risks.