MUTARE – A tragic incident occurred last Sunday, when four Chipinge men died after consuming a concoction made from aloe vera.

Two others were hospitalised at Mutambara Mission Hospital due to the ill effects of the mixture, which was reportedly an attempt to create ‘guchu’ a traditional concoction commonly associated with male sexual enhancement.

The six men, originally from Chipinge were illegal panners currently residing in Tonhorai Village, Chiadzwa.

According to a statement by the Zimbabwe Republic Police, the deceased have been identified as Joseph Myambo (45), Brighton Gwenzi Chibhosho (27), and Kudakwashe Marambire (44). The identity of the fourth victim is still pending, awaiting notification of next of kin.

According to local sources, the group believed that the aloe vera concoction would provide the desired effects associated with ‘guchu’. However, the mixture turned out to be toxic, leading to severe health complications for those who consumed it.

Witnesses reported that the men had boiled the concoction in a bid to enhance their sexual performance, a practice that has gained popularity in some communities despite potential health risks.

The incident has raised alarms about the dangers of using unregulated herbal mixtures, especially those made from plants that can be harmful when consumed improperly.

Zimparks Eastern Region official, Dr Jonah Mashaba said aloes were a specially protected plant with over 500 species most of them common in Zimbabwe.

He acknowledged that aloe has been used in the cosmetics and skin care industry, food and beverage industry as well for medicinal purposes but noted that not all species are safe for ingestion.

“Aloes have been used since time immemorial as traditional medicine, for food and beverage, medicinal purposes for instance wound dressing and digestive issues. However, the only aloe which is medicinal is aloe vera and people may mistakenly identify aloe saponaria as aloe vera,” he said.

Dr Mashaba also highlighted that aloe globuligemma, nicknamed ‘witchdoctor’s aloe’ is a poisonous plant and is native to Sothern Africa where it occurs in semi desert and dry bushland.

Saddened by the unfortunate incident, traditional leaders such as Chief Zimunya have called for awareness campaigns and education o the public on the dangers of aloe.

He acknowledged aloe as a plant traditionally used for various ailment requesting more information in its adverse effects to be disseminated.

“It is a pity that we lost several lives due to ignorance on the negative effects oif home-made concoctions. Aloe has always been known to have medicinal properties. It is my hope that an indepth investigation is instituted to the type of concoction that was prepared by these men and pin point the toxic element before we lose more lives,” he said.

Health experts have consistently warned against the use of traditional concoctions without proper knowledge and guidance, particularly those that have not been scientifically validated for safety.