Emmanuel Makarimai and brother Tanaka die after falling ill on journey to Harare

Two brothers from Rusape died at Parirenyatwa Hospital after developing vomiting and severe stomach pains during a trip to Harare. Their deaths have prompted questions from relatives and school staff, while their stepmother, Vimbai Mushana, is reportedly being sought for questioning. The cause of the boys’ illness has not been established in the account, and poisoning remains a suspicion rather than a confirmed finding. Emmanuel Makarimai, 14, and Tanaka, 12, were taken to hospital on Thursday, November 5. Their biological mother, Loice Jose, said she had arranged with Mushana for the boys to travel from Rusape to Mbare Musika, before continuing to Concession to visit her. Jose said she waited for them at the terminus on Wednesday, but they did not arrive. The following day, Jose said, she received a call from Parirenyatwa Police Post telling her that the children had been admitted after vomiting. She went to the hospital and learnt that Tanaka had died. Emmanuel was still alive when she arrived, but died a short time later, according to her account. The brothers attended Mabvazuwa Primary School. Headmaster Bennedict Dadaya said Emmanuel had completed his examinations and was no longer attending lessons, while Tanaka, a Grade Five pupil, was last seen at school on Monday. The school had not been told why he was absent from Tuesday or where he was. Dadaya said information reaching the school suggested the boys had travelled to Harare with their stepmother and became sick after eating ice cream. He also said a driver reportedly took them to hospital and completed the admission paperwork after Mushana had left. These details were relayed to the headmaster, rather than confirmed findings about what happened. The family’s account and the school’s information point to different gaps in the journey, including why the boys did not reach their mother as planned. Mushana’s reported departure from the hospital and the circumstances of the children’s illness are among the issues that authorities are expected to examine. No conclusion about responsibility or the cause of death is provided in the report.