In a tragic incident, a seven-year-old boy has lost his life, and 19 others have been rushed to Rumphi District Hospital after consuming sweet beer suspected to be poisoned.

The unfortunate event occurred during a tombstone unveiling ceremony at Samuel Khoswe Village in the area of Traditional Authority Jalavikuwa in Mzimba North.

Community members prepared sweet beer for the ceremony, and after its conclusion, 20 individuals began experiencing severe stomach pains.

The affected individuals were promptly referred to Rumphi District Hospital and Luzi Health Centre for treatment.

Regrettably, the young boy succumbed to the poisoning while receiving treatment at Luzi Health Centre, while four others remain hospitalized at the district hospital, and the rest have been treated as outpatients.