An MBC investigation has revealed that at least six people have died from suspected poisoning within a month in Alasala Village under Senior Chief Makwangwala in Ntcheu District.
According to Chief Alasala, the development has created fear among people in the village.
The most recent victim, Grace Nkuleya, a 49-year-old single mother of six, reportedly took her life after a loan shark had removed iron sheets from her house due to an unpaid debt of K85,000.
“She took poison and we found it in her house. The medical examination at Ntcheu District [Hospital] also confirmed that she took poison,” said Chief Alasala.
Inspector Jacob Khembo, Ntcheu Police publicist said from 30th August this year, police have recorded three deaths due to poisoning.
“The development is concerning as some of the victims are young people full of life,” said Khembo.
According to Chief Alasala, Balaka Market in Ntcheu is the source of the poisonous drugs involved.
Attempts by MBC to interview some of the drug dealers at the market were futile as they were reluctant to speak.
Medical officials in the district were also not immediately available to comment on the matter.
By Chisomo Break and Geoffrey Chinawa
