The family of an eight-year-old girl from Diepkloof, Soweto, who tragically passed away after allegedly eating biscuits from a local spaza shop, has declined to speak with the media following her death.
The Grade 2 pupil from Thabisile Primary School in Diepkloof died on Friday, 22 November, after reportedly falling ill two days earlier, on Wednesday, 20 November. According to reports, the child began feeling unwell after consuming biscuits purchased from a nearby spaza shop. Her condition deteriorated over the next 48 hours, leading to her hospitalization at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Friday, where she was later declared deceased.
On Monday, 25 November, the media visited the family home, accompanied by Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, who was there to offer his condolences. However, the family declined to speak with the press.
Upon arrival, the media noticed a spaza shop located within the family’s yard, raising questions about whether the biscuits the child consumed had been bought there. This shop is the only one visible on the street, prompting further speculation. There were also rumors that the child may have ingested something at school, though the circumstances remain unclear.
In response to these concerns, MEC Chiloane addressed the media, dismissing allegations regarding the school’s nutrition program. He confirmed that the Department of Health had collected food samples from the school and found no evidence of contamination.
“The family has requested that we allow for a postmortem to determine exactly what the child ingested,” MEC Chiloane explained. “There were rumors that she only ate food at school, but I have verified this with my officials, and the Department of Health, who visited the school today and found nothing of concern.”
Chiloane also reassured the public that no other children at the school had shown similar symptoms, making it unlikely that the school was involved in the child’s illness.
“It would be difficult for me to say that it was the school, as no other children have reported similar symptoms. We are awaiting the results of the postmortem, and the family will communicate those findings when available,” he said.
The investigation into the cause of the child’s death continues, with authorities awaiting the postmortem results to confirm the exact cause of the tragedy. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
