Image via CDC/ Amanda Mills acquired from Public Health Image Library
Three die in the Eastern Cape after drinking homemade spirits mix
The number of fatalities linked to homemade alcoholic brews continue to increase.
Image via CDC/ Amanda Mills acquired from Public Health Image Library
Three people in the Eastern Cape town of Stutterheim have died after consuming a homemade alcoholic brew, DispatchLive reports.
According to the publication, the incident happened in Gasela village near the small farming town.
Alcoholic concoction claims lives in Stutterheim
Ten more people were hospitalised after drinking the same brew, with one – who later succumbed – in critical condition.
“Some are currently vomiting while some are dizzy and many are weak. This happened after a home-brewed beer was prepared and these people drank it,” an unnamed official who spoke to the publication said.
Ward councillor Mooi Nqini said he was at the village with the mayor soon after the incident.
“We can confirm that many people have been rushed to hospital in Stutterheim. The mayor is trying to organise transport to rush others who drank that beer who are currently in this village,” said Mooi.
Mooi Nqini, Ward 9 Councillor
Health spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo confirmed that the concoction was a mixture of Drink O’Pop mixed with spirits.
“Twelve people consumed drink-o-pop mixed with spirits and two died. One person is in a critical condition and has been referred to Cecilia Makiwane hospital,” he said.
Sizwe Kupelo, Eastern Cape Health spokesperson
Fatalities caused by homemade brews increase
This comes just weeks after reports emerged of a couple in the Northern Cape who died after consuming home-made beer.
According to police, Alida Fouche died at her Port Nolloth home, while her partner Tony Hilliar was rushed to hospital, where he also lost his life.
The two incidents happened amid a ban on liquor and tobacco sales, which have forced some to resort to brewing home-made concoctions to fill the void.
Experts have warned against the dangers of home-made brews, which can produce methanol – a poisonous alcohol that can cause blindness and induce severe illness.
Lockdown restrictions are expected to be eased in June, with the ban on alcohol sales likely to be lifted.
