The Governor of Kavango East Region, Julius Hambyuka, is urging residents to be extra careful when buying or preparing food. His call follows a series of suspected food poisoning cases in the region, the most recent in Korokoko village, where two children tragically died after reportedly eating cassava roots.

"I humbly urge the communities to remain calm and vigilant. To exercise caution and avoid consuming any food or drink that appears contaminated or expired or rotten. To report any symptoms of discomfort after eating or drinking any food or drinks to the nearest hospital or clinic. To render your full cooperation to the health officials and police officers who are investigating the case."

Apart from the Korokoko suspected food poisoning case, similar incidences occurred at Kayova Village on 27 May 2023, Livayi Village on 26 February 2024 and Ndonga Linena Village on 1 June 2024, respectively.

A total of 23 deaths linked to this nature were recorded in the region since 2023.

nbc News followed up with family members of the deceased, who are yet to receive forensic results on what exactly caused the deaths.

The governor says awareness campaigns are set to be conducted as one of the prevention measures.

"Apart from the investigation committee, we will be having a committee which will be going there to do awareness and consult the community of that area; from there, that's when we will be in the position to report what the team of the awareness has found. If they started earlier before I came, it's fine, but we want to establish a new one which is going to deal merely with the incident we are talking about today."