Drama erupted at Ndumberi shopping centre after a swarm of bees unexpectedly perched outside a local pub where women had planned to stage a protest over rising deaths linked to illicit brews.
According to eyewitnesses, the bees descended moments before the women gathered, coinciding with their intention to storm the pub where a man who died last week is reported to have consumed the toxic brew.
The unusual incident did little to deter the demonstrators, who marched forward, accusing the sale of harmful alcohol of destroying families and turning young men into “zombies.” The women claimed that funerals have become a weekly occurrence, blaming the drinks for the deaths of husbands, sons, and neighbours.
They further accused local administrators of turning a blind eye and only targeting traditional Muratina brews while ignoring the cheap, poisonous concoctions sold openly in the township.
Frustrated by what they termed official complacency, the women vowed to shut down and demolish the pubs themselves, saying the community could no longer wait for action as the death toll continues to rise.
By the time of publishing, the swarm of bees remained perched near the entrance of the pub, with some residents attributing the occurrence to witchcraft or a warning sign.
