A 7-year-old child has died , and two others are in critical condition in Machinga district after consuming fruits from a tree known as Mkweranyani, suspected to be poisonous.

The children, who are from the same family in the area of Traditional Authority Sale, reportedly went to the bush to gather fruits due to hunger, and all three fainted after eating them.

Joshua Maombe, a relative of the children, confirmed the incident to loacal media and stated that concerned community members rushed the children to Ngokwe Health Center.

They were then transferred to Machinga District Hospital, but one of the children passed away before they could be taken there.

The remaining two children have been admitted to Machinga District Hospital for further treatment.