Morogo lands family of six in hospital
An elderly couple in their 80s, their 48-year-old daughter, relative and two grandchildren, aged 26 and 28, were rushed to the hospital in an unconscious state on Monday evening, immediately after having dinner at their home in Matshelagabedi village.
A family of six, some of whom fainted and lost the ability to speak after dinner, had a meal that included a side of green rape vegetables. The elderly couple had purchased the green leafy vegetable from a village backyard garden earlier that afternoon.
Confirming the incident that led to the entire family being admitted to Nyangabgwe Hospital in Francistown, Matsiloje Station Commander, Superintendent Oteng Ngada, stated that the report came from the 26-year-old grandchild. Although the grandchild felt weak, he was able to narrate the whole incident to the police officers before being admitted himself.
'We are still investigating the matter. It seems that many people bought rape green leafy vegetables from the garden that day, yet none experienced the same symptoms as this family after consuming it. However, the garden owner, a resident of Matshelagabedi, indicated that he recently sprayed some pesticides on the garden plants but waited for the specified days before selling any produce,' Ngada said.
He added that the family members are still admitted and recovering, with some having been admitted with diarrhoea and vomiting, and others unconscious due to constant vomiting. 'The sensitivity of people differs. Right now, investigations are ongoing. We do not know the exact cause of the incident, but investigations are ongoing,' Ngada stated.
He mentioned that no fatalities were recorded and that all other individuals who bought the rape from the village garden are still in good condition, despite the affected family's claim that they consumed the same green leafy vegetable.