A 54-year-old peasant farmer of Chisani Village in Chama District has died after allegedly drinking poisonous insecticide following a domestic dispute. The dispute is alleged to have stemmed from an argument over money that was said to have gone missing. The deceased, identified as Zenga Zimba, reportedly took the poisonous substance, locally used for spraying cotton plants, […]

A 54-year-old peasant farmer of Chisani Village in Chama District has died after allegedly drinking poisonous insecticide following a domestic dispute.

The dispute is alleged to have stemmed from an argument over money that was said to have gone missing.

The deceased, identified as Zenga Zimba, reportedly took the poisonous substance, locally used for spraying cotton plants, after suspecting his son of stealing K700 from his house. 

“The child had the habit of stealing money and other small items from his father. So when he discovered money was missing, he asked his son if he was the one who had stolen it but the response from the son did not please him,” Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer Robertson Mweemba confirmed the incident.

The incident occurred on Sunday, 4th October, 2026, between 01:00 hours and 13:00 hours.

“The deceased was rushed to Chikwa Rural Health Post, where he was admitted and received medical attention but later died,” he said.