Information reaching faceofmalawi indicates that 19 people are battling for their lives at Chiradzulu District Hospital after drinking alleged poisoned locally brewed drink (Thobwa) at an initiation ceremony in the district.

Chiradzulu Police Station Deputy Public Relations Officer, Sub Inspector Vincent Khola confirmed of the development in an interview with the press.

According to Khola, the incident happened at Tchale village, Traditional Authority Kadewere in the district on August 25, 2019.

“We have received reports that on 25 August, 2019 there was initiation ceremony at Tchale village, Traditional Authority Kadewere in the district where some people who drunk thobwa started vomiting and feeling abdominal pains.

“Meliya Kachuma, who brewed the drink to spice up the ceremony is one of the victims who has been admitted to the hospital,” he said.

Meanwhile one arrest has been made so far.