Gauteng police are expected to increase visibility in Diepkloof, Soweto, where a child died after consuming snacks bought from a spaza shop.
Story Summary:
- A child died after consuming a snack bought from a spaza shop in Diepkloof. Soweto.
- Two other children who consumed products from the same shop fell ill but were discharged after short treatment.
- Tensions are expected to boil over, with Gauteng police likely to increase visibility in the region.
Diepkloof child dies after eating snacks from spaza shop
According to reports, the boy fell critically ill on Thursday and was rushed to the local clinic.
Unfortunately, by then, there was little health officials could do to save his life.
The boy’s family informed authorities that he had displayed worrying symptoms after consuming a snack purchased from a local spaza shop.
It’s believed two other kids who bought food from the same shop exhibited similar symptoms. However, in their case, intervention came at the perfect time and nurses managed to treat both patients successfully.
For the deceased boy, unfortunately, the symptoms were too severe.
Police confirmed that shortly before his death, the child complained about severe cramps, uncontrollable vomiting and a runny tummy.
This is the latest casualty linked to products sold at spaza shops and it could not have come at a worse time for foreign informal traders, who have recently come under intense scrutiny.
To date, more than 23 children have died after consuming products sold at spaza shops.
Thus far, preliminary investigations suggest traders store highly toxic and unregulated pesticides near food items.
On Wednesday, KZN officials made a crucial discovery when a tip-off led them to a warehouse facility that supplies products to informal traders.
Among other dated items, authorities found expired antibiotic medication and high-toxic pesticides carelessly stored next to food items.
“It’s disturbing to discover that such a huge warehouse is keeping expired goods. Even antibiotics and dangerous pesticides are stored here, right next to food items,” KZN premier Thamsanqa Ntuli told reporters.
As the situation develops in KZN, Gauteng health officials are expected to host a media briefing on Thursday morning, to outline the work done thus far to implement President Cyril Ramaphosa’s 21-day directive on regulating spaza shops.
