BLANTYRE, Malawi, April 11 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people have died in Blantyre, Malawi's commercial city, after consuming a locally made alcohol on Monday, police said on Wednesday.

Three others were admitted to the city's referral hospital, while one was discharged.

Joseph Sauka, police spokesperson for South West Region, told Xinhua by telephone that the "deadly" alcohol was locally produced from unspecified chemicals and that investigations were still underway to determine the supplier of the chemicals.

Meanwhile, police have begun confiscating the "poisonous concoction," and three people have been arrested so far for running the illegal business, according to Sauka.

Sauka said police are also engaging communities through community policing about the dangers of consuming uncertified beverages or food.

Director of Health and Social Services for Blantyre Gift Kawalazira confirmed to the local media that five people died on arrival at the city's Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital on Monday, while the rest died between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Kawalazira said the patients presented with diarrhea, blurred vision, labored breathing, and general body aches, and autopsies of their bodies revealed the presence of poison. Enditem

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