The dreams of seeing young Siyabonga Mnisi graduate have been tragically dashed after the five-year-old’s life was cut short just days before his milestone event. Siyabonga, who lived in Diepkloof, Soweto, was set to graduate on Friday, 22 November, but he passed away on Wednesday, 20 November, after reportedly consuming snacks from a local spaza shop.
Siyabonga and three friends, all from the same yard, bought snacks from the shop before returning home to play. According to reports, shortly after eating the snacks, the children began to experience symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. While Siyabonga’s friends are currently receiving medical treatment in hospital, one remains in critical condition in the ICU.
Siyabonga’s father, Samuel Mnisi, who did not live with his son, received a call while on his way home from work informing him that Siyabonga was unwell. He was told that his son was being rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. Just minutes later, Samuel received the heartbreaking news that his son had passed away.
It was bad when I got to the hospital. My son was dead. I have nothing to say. I can’t believe what happened,” Samuel said, visibly shaken. “I was expecting to see him on Friday at his graduation. I had bought everything, paid for everything, and now he’s no more.”
Samuel expressed his anger and frustration over the tragedy, highlighting that this is not the first instance of children falling ill or dying due to suspected food poisoning in the area. He questioned why children seem to be the victims in these cases, while adults appear unaffected.
Why is it that they’re targeting kids and not us the elderly?” Samuel asked.
Following the incident, the spaza shop where the children bought the snacks has been shut down. Police investigators reportedly found expired food items on the premises, which were seized for further examination. The investigation into the cause of the food poisoning is ongoing, with authorities working to determine the exact source of contamination.
This heartbreaking incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of food sold in informal outlets and the devastating impact of contaminated products on young lives. As the community grapples with the loss of a child full of promise, calls for stronger regulation and oversight of food safety in informal markets are growing louder.
