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The community of Diepkloof in Soweto is grappling with the devastating loss of two young lives following incidents believed to be linked to snacks bought from a local spaza shop. Within a span of two days, an eight-year-old girl and a five-year-old boy tragically passed away under similar circumstances, sparking widespread concern and an ongoing investigation.
The most recent victim, a second-grade pupil at Thabisile Primary School, reportedly fell ill shortly after consuming biscuits purchased from the spaza shop. Despite being rushed to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, her condition deteriorated, and she was declared deceased last Friday. The Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, confirmed these harrowing details, adding an air of urgency to understanding the source of the problem.
This incident occurred closely following the death of five-year-old Siyabonga Mnisi, who also fell victim to snacks from the same shop. Siyabonga and three of his friends were taken to a nearby medical facility after consuming these snacks, but sadly, Siyabonga did not survive.
In response to these tragedies, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep sorrow and ensured that the department's psycho-social support unit was deployed to help the grieving families and the school community cope with the losses. Counselling sessions began at Thabisile Primary School, aiming to provide comfort and support during this difficult time.
MEC Chiloane reiterated the department's commitment to the safety and well-being of all learners, emphasizing the need for stringent monitoring and rapid action to prevent any further incidents. The deaths have raised significant concerns about the safety standards and regulatory oversight of locally sold food products, particularly in informal retail settings such as spaza shops.
Authorities are currently investigating the exact causes of the children’s deaths to determine if there was a direct link to the snacks they consumed and to identify if there was any negligence involved in the preparation or sale of these products. The outcomes of these investigations are eagerly awaited by the community, as they seek answers and assurance that steps will be taken to enhance food safety and protect their children.
The series of events has also ignited broader discussions about the regulation of informal food vendors and the measures necessary to ensure that all food sold, regardless of the venue, meets safety standards to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.