A 25-year-old man of Chipangali District in Eastern Province has died by suicide after ingesting aluminium sulphate tablets, which are used for maize preservation.
The deceased, identified as Maxwell Banda, reportedly added the tablets to a drink, which he later consumed.
In a statement to The media, Eastern Province Police Commanding Officer, Robertson Mweemba, confirmed the incident, indicating that on November 15, 2025, Banda travelled from Katete to Early Trading Area in Chipangali District to his father’s house, where he had been tasked with buying maize.
Mr Mweemba said that on November 17, 2025, around 13:00 hours, Banda was seen with his friends heading to buy maize and that later, at about 17:00 hours, he was again seen with the same friends before passing through home.
Mr Mweemba revealed that Banda returned home with a bottle of drink, which he attempted to give to his wife, who declined as she already had her own beverage.
Mr Mweemba said the deceased then consumed the drink himself, which is suspected to have contained the maize preservative tablets.
He said moments later, Banda collapsed and began vomiting despite being given some milk and rushed to the hospital, Banda was pronounced dead around 12:30 hours on November 18 2025.
Mr Mweemba added that the motive behind the act remains unknown and that police do not suspect foul play.
