Four minors from Livaye Village in Kavango East who died from suspected food poisoning were buried in a mass grave over the weekend.

Eight children initially ate the food, of whom four died and the others survived, while the remaining four were discharged.

The incident happened on February 26.

According to family members, a 13-year-old boy had prepared a lunch of porridge and mutete, which the children consumed.

Another meal of porridge and soup was prepared by an older relative for supper, which the minors also consumed.

On Monday evening, one of the minors, a seven-year-old girl, started vomiting.

The situation deteriorated, and she died at home.

Soon after, another one-year-old minor started showing similar symptoms, after which they called the police from Ndiyona, who arrived with a healthcare worker.

According to the police report, the medical officer started giving first aid to stabilise their condition before taking them to Nyangana Hospital, where they were later transferred to Rundu Intermediate Hospital.

The youngest victim, a one-year-old girl, died at the Rundu hospital, and the others died on February 29 and March 1, respectively.

The Kavango East Regional Council covered the funeral arrangements.

Attending the burial was Governor of Kavango East Region Bonifatius Wakudumo, accompanied by Councillor of Ndiyona Laurentiuse Mukoya.