A devastating food poisoning incident in Diepkloof, Soweto, has claimed the life of a five-year-old boy, with three other young children left in critical condition after consuming snacks bought from a local spaza shop. The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the community, as the children reportedly fell ill shortly after eating the snacks yesterday afternoon.
According to Ward Councillor Brenda Dammie, the children purchased the snacks and began to feel unwell within 20 minutes. “The five-year-old ate the snacks, and within minutes, he started showing signs of illness,” Dammie recounted. “He was rushed to the hospital, but tragically, within 30 minutes, he was declared dead.” The three other boys were also taken to the hospital and are currently in critical condition.
Dammie, visibly shaken by the loss, condemned the incident and expressed her frustration with the ongoing problem of unsafe food products being sold in local shops. “We are furious because we can’t keep losing our children like this,” Dammie said. “The responsibility lies with the house owners who are allowing these businesses to operate without regulation. It’s just so frustrating.”
The Gauteng police have opened an inquest docket to investigate the cause of the child’s death. Gauteng Police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the incident, stating, “Reports indicate that the child had symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea before being rushed to a local clinic, where he was declared dead. The cause of death is still unknown, pending autopsy results.”
This tragic event has reignited concerns over the safety of food sold in informal outlets, particularly spaza shops, which often operate without the same level of oversight as licensed retailers. The local community is now calling for stricter regulations to ensure the safety of food products and prevent further tragedies.
As the investigation continues, the families and the community are left to grapple with the heartbreaking loss of a young life, while demanding accountability and change to protect their children from similar harm in the future.
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