Kachasu claims Chitipa man

The drinking community in Chitipa has lost one of its own after a 54-year-old man died following an alleged kachasu drinking spree on an empty stomach.

The deceased, identified as Batison Simbeye from Chilorea Village under Senior Chief Mwabulambya, died after falling ill following the drinking spree, police have confirmed.

According to Chitipa Police Public Relations Officer, Sergeant Rabson Mkandawire, Simbeye left his home on July 20 at around 3:00 p.m. and went to a neighbouring village to drink kachasu without eating the meal that had been prepared by his daughter.

“He started his journey back home at around 8:00 p.m. but never arrived,” said Mkandawire.

The following day, children passing near Mwachihomba River discovered his lifeless body and informed village elders, who reported the matter to police. Officers, accompanied by medical personnel from Chitipa District Hospital, visited the scene.

A post-mortem examination established that Simbeye died from hypoglycaemia secondary to alcohol intoxication.

Following the incident, police have urged members of the public to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages on an empty stomach, warning that the practice can have fatal consequences.

By Andrew Weddings