‘Maureen Mukiya’has killed 6 Choma men – Batoka councillor

CIVIC leaders in Choma have continued to implore on government to intervene and stop the illegal brewing and supplying of a local spirit commonly known as Maureen Mukiya. Choma’s Batoka Ward Councilor, Judge Hambayi has revealed that six people are feared to have died from drinking the brew, a claim that health experts have not confirmed. Hambayi discloses that a man identified as Getro Moono was found dead after having drunk the same spirit, while another was put to rest last Monday within the same area. Asked why the Choma Municipal Council has not taken action to end the supply of the spirit, Hambayi said the beer is coming from Mazabuka, a different local authority area. Byta FM contacted Mazabuka Mayor, Vincent Lilanda who confirms that the local authority is aware of the challenges that the beer has brought and the producers know that it is illegal. However, Lilanda says brewers often give the excuse that Maureen Mukiya is their main source of income due to lack of employment. He has further asked the Ministry of Health to give statistics on how many people die from the spirit per month to raise awareness. – BYTA FM The Sun