Fatal bites | Alex residents blame police for lack of intervention

Residents of Alexandra have accused the local police of corruption and betrayal.

According to the community members, the police accepted bribes from spaza shop owners and failed to shut down unauthorised shops.

The anger boiled over at the memorial service of 10-year-old, Lesedi Molaudi, who died from suspected food poisoning after allegedly eating contaminated snacks.

Lesedi’s tragic death is the 12th reported case since October, sparking widespread concern and demands for action.

Toxicology reports revealed terbufos, a highly toxic organophosphate, as the cause of death for six children in Naledi, Soweto in October.

The substance is not approved for domestic use, raising serious concerns about food safety at local spaza shops.

Ncabi Mavuso, the chairperson of community-based organisation, The Last Guardo, expressed frustration, saying that police protection of undocumented nationals was “the ultimate betrayal.”

Residents say they have been vocal about their dissatisfaction, presenting memorandums to the authorities, only to feel ignored.

In a tense meeting with police, community leaders demanded the removal of the station commander, citing failure to protect the community.

Meanwhile, Lesedi’s family and friends joined the chorus calling for a state of emergency.

Ward councillor, Deborah Cashile, urgently appealed to the President to consider their plea.

“We can’t keep losing our children like this,” she said.