10 Tanzanian soldiers die during military training

At least 10 soldiers with the Tanzania People's Defense Forces (TPDF) have died during military training, the Chief of Defense Forces, General Venance Mabeyo, said on Monday.

Five other soldiers were receiving treatment at the Lugalo Military Hospital in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam, Mabeyo told journalists at State House.

Mabeyo said the soldiers fell sick on January 30 while on a long walk at Msata in Coast region, adding that the army suspected that they had eaten poisonous food.

He said their conditions started to deteriorate after two hours of walking and they were rushed to the military hospital where 10 of them died on the same day and five others fell sick.

"We suspect they bought and ate poisonous food or drinks while on their way. We have sent their samples to the government chief chemist for tests," said Mabeyo.