MYSTERY surrounds the death of a boy (13) from Bulawayo who allegedly finished an undiluted 750ml bottle of brandy in less than an hour.

The brandy has an alcohol percentage of 43 percent compared to ordinary beer that has between three and seven percent alcohol content.

Sources alleged that Clayton Mhlanga of Entumbane suburb was forced to drink the alcohol by his older friends, but a statement given to the police suggests that he guzzled the liquor alone in their car while his friends were watching soccer at Barbourfields Stadium on Saturday.

He died on Sunday from suspected alcohol poisoning.

The group had gone to watch the Chibuku Cup final pitting Highlanders and Ngezi Platinum Stars.

Family members said Clayton’s hands and tongue turned black as he lay comatose at home.State media