CAPE TOWN - Three more deaths due to the consumption of home-brewed alcohol have been reported in the Eastern Cape.
During the lockdown, many South Africans took to home-brewing as their solution to ban of alcohol sales.
Despite, the warnings from government officials and experts, the consumption of home-brewed alcohol presented a rise in deaths left many in critical condition.
Colonel Sibongile Soci spokesperson of the Eastern Cape Police confirmed that he most recently reported that a case took place in a village right outside of Stutterheim, leading to the death of two on Thursday and a third on Friday.
According to Sizwe Kupelo, Eastern Cape Health Department spokesperson, Stutterheim Hospital also faced nine patients in critical condition due to the consumption of the concoction believed to be a mix of methylated spirits and Drink-O-Pop, a powdered cooldrink mix.
“It is alleged that the family made home-brewed beer, which is believed to be the reason that led to the death of these people. However, the investigation into the matter continues,” said Kupelo while urging those to refrain from such concoctions saying it kills.
With the announcement from President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, alcohol may be sold in level 3 of lockdown which is set to take place across the entire country from June 1. Although with limited restriction, the sale of alcohol may reduce the number of deaths caused by home-brewing significantly.
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