Farai Dziva|The mother of Brandon Zimba, the teenager who died mysteriously while drinking beer blamed bad friends for the tragedy.

The tragedy happened in Bulawayo last Saturday.

Sithembiso Zimba said she was devastated by her son’s death.

She said his behaviour completely changed when he moved to a new school – as a result of influence from bad friends.

“Never at any point in my life did I ever imagine that my child would drink himself to death. Growing up, he was obedient and brilliant in school. He started school in South Africa and came home for his secondary.

I took him to Sizane High School and his school performance was very pleasing.”

“The school, however, hiked fees and I was forced to transfer him. I regret that move because it has led to the death of my son.

At the new school, I started receiving reports that he had started drinking. The elders who stayed with him would sit him down and each time he apologised and promised to change,” said Zimba.

She decried the growing culture of juvenile delinquency and said she believed her child’s demise was a result of bad friends.