At least seven people have been treated for suspected food poisoning at a private clinic in Saopa village, in the area of Senior Chief Kapichi in Thyolo.

Village Headman Saopa has reported that some members of an engagement committee experienced severe abdominal pains and diarrhea after consuming sweet beer, known as thobwa, at a meeting the previous day.

According to the Headman, three men and four women have so far received treatment at the clinic.

The chief has urged villagers to be cautious when consuming food and drinks from unknown sources and to report any similar incidents to the authorities.

The cause of the food poisoning is currently under investigation.

The health department has been notified of the incident and is working to determine the source of the contamination and prevent further incidents.