Harare — Two sisters aged seven and nine in Beatrice died and eight other family members are battling for their lives in hospital after eating poisonous mushroom last Friday.

The two Netsai (9) and Nomore Muzamhi (7) died soon after eating the mushroom and the rest were rushed to Beatrice Hospital before being moved to Chitungwiza Hospital.

Acting Mashonaland East police spokesperson Assistant Inspector Thando Madhoyo confirmed the incident and said police were still investigating the circumstances. He said the mother of the two deceased, Maria Kwenda (32), picked the mushroom near their home at Kerryboom Farm in Beatrice on February 15. He said she shared them with her sister Gertrude Kwenda (21) and friend Margaret Musekiwa (28), all from the same farm.

"The three proceeded to prepare the mushroom and served it to their families. A total of 10 people consumed the deadly mushroom," Asst Insp Madhoyo said.