Questions remain over what killed six children in Naledi

Health inspectors have revealed that no chemicals or traces of toxins were found in the samples of the snacks that were allegedly consumed by six minors in Naledi, Soweto.

This has raised further questions on what may have claimed the six young lives.

Tragedy befell the community of Naledi once again when six children between the ages of 6 and 9 died from what was said to be contaminated snacks.

The minors suffered from stomach cramps and foaming through the mouth prior to their passing.

The latest victim Katlego Olifant (7) was buried on Sunday after spending seven days in ICU.

His passing dampened the spirits of community members even more as he was that glimpse of hope, with many hoping that he would recover and live to tell the tale.

His friends, Zinhle Maama (7), Monica Sathekge (6), Njabulo Msimango (7), Karabo Rampou (8) and Isago Mabote (7) who all died on the same night were buried a week ago.

Environmental Health practitioner in the Soweto region, Lucky Tshihnayise, says while the results from the snacks came back negative, investigations into the incident are still ongoing.

Government officials have been hard at work to eradicate the alleged contaminated foods from local spaza shops.

Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, has classified the incidents as a potential threat to the country’s security and its citizens.

They’ve roped in the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), the National Consumer Council (NCC), SAPS and Health inspectors to get to the bottom of the matter.

“At the end of the careful analysis, these teams concluded that we are dealing with a chemical agent and that this must be identified as a matter of urgency.”

These incidents have also sparked debate on the quality of food in the country and the shortcomings of the township economy.

ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, says he will convene a group of relevant ministers to provide answers and solutions to resolve this challenge immediately.

[WATCH] We are going to intervene in a big way with regards to spaza shops. We will be convening the cluster ministers to give answers to this matter, and work with provinces to immediately resolve this challenge. #MaSisulu#LetsDoMoreTogether pic.twitter.com/jRh3qeQJMS

— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) October 21, 2024

In October alone, more than 150 children were hospitalised in suspected food poisoning incidents across the country.

– 35 learners from Makahlule Primary School in Malamulele
– More than 70 matric pupils were hospitalised and later discharged in Carletonville.
– 25 pupils from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Bronkhorspruit.
– 47 pupils from Rapelego Primary School in  Hammanskraal.
– 20 pupils were hospitalised and treated in Mtubatuba.

The deaths in Naledi were a second for the community in a year. Last October, two other children passed away in the area after eating biscuits allegedly bought from a local spaza shop.