Reader’s Discretion
The following article contains sensitive and distressing content regarding the tragic deaths of young children and the critical condition of a survivor. The details may be emotionally challenging for some readers, particularly those affected by similar experiences of loss or trauma. Reader discretion is advised.
A devastating tragedy has struck the community, leaving five young children dead and a seventh child fighting for his life in intensive care after they allegedly consumed toxic chips bought from a local spaza shop. The surviving child, 7-year-old Katlego Oliphant, remains in critical condition, while the grieving families of the deceased are left in somberness and despair.
Katlego’s mother, Lydia Oliphant, expressed her profound sadness and fear for her son’s life. Speaking through tears, Lydia explained that after visiting the hospital to check on her boy, the doctors had given her grim news. “He is fighting in ICU. The doctors told me that the poison is coming out, but they can’t guarantee if he’ll make it. They told me to pray,” she said, her voice breaking as she described the heartbreaking situation.
Katlego is the sole survivor among his group of friends, all of whom fell ill after consuming the chips on Sunday afternoon. His condition remains precarious, and his family clings to hope as they await further updates from medical professionals.
The tragedy claimed the lives of five young children: Isago Mabote (7), Njabulo Msimango (7), Zinhle Maama (7), Karabo Rampou (8), and Monica Sathekge (6). The children were playing together when they began experiencing severe symptoms, including stomach aches and persistent vomiting, after allegedly consuming the chips.
Isago Mabote’s grandmother, Agnes Mabote, recounted the horrifying final moments of her grandson’s life. “He came running to the house, kicked the door, and told us he was dying. He laid down next to me, shaking and saying over and over that he was going to die,” she recalled. Isago later started vomiting a brown substance, and despite the family’s efforts to save him, he was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
The circumstances surrounding Karabo Rampou’s death are equally devastating. His grandmother, Nani Rampou, shared that although she was not at home when the tragedy unfolded, she was told that Karabo returned from playing and sat on the veranda. Soon after, he began foaming at the mouth and nose. His family rushed him to the hospital, but like his friends, he was declared dead on arrival.
Njabulo Msimango’s grandmother, Tryphina Phiri, explained that at first, Njabulo seemed reluctant to admit that he had eaten the chips. After seeing his friends collapse, Njabulo became increasingly scared. His family tried to keep him calm, but he soon began shaking, and despite efforts to rush him to the clinic, he too was declared dead.
The community is now grappling with the loss of these young lives and the critical condition of Katlego, the sole survivor. Authorities are investigating the source of the chips that allegedly caused the poisoning. Families of the deceased children are calling for answers, seeking justice for their loved ones who tragically lost their lives under such harrowing circumstances.
This heartbreaking incident has left a deep scar on the affected families and the broader community, with many now questioning the safety of products sold in local spaza shops. The investigation into the exact cause of the poisoning is ongoing, as the community mourns the loss of five innocent children and prays for the recovery of the sixth.
As Katlego Oliphant fights for his life in the hospital, his family and the families of the other children face an unimaginable tragedy. Their hope now lies in the possibility of finding answers and ensuring that no other family experiences such a devastating loss.
