In a tragic incident that has shaken the community of Soweto, five children have reportedly died after consuming a snack known as “brown dash.” The children, identified as Zinhle Maama (7), Njabulo Msimango (7), Karabo Rampou (8), Isago Mabote (8), and Monica Sathekge (6), allegedly bought the snack from two local spaza shops over the weekend. The sudden deaths of the children have led local residents to take action by shutting down the spaza shops, which are believed to be responsible for selling the contaminated or dangerous snacks.
According to reports, the children began feeling unwell shortly after eating the snacks and informed their parents about where they had purchased them. Despite efforts to save them, all five children tragically passed away, leaving their families and the wider community devastated.
In addition to the five victims, another child, Katleho Olifant (7), is currently fighting for his life in the ICU of a private hospital in Soweto. His mother, Lydia Olifant, shared her distress with *News24*, explaining that doctors have expressed grave concerns about her son’s condition. “The doctors told us that it would take a miracle for him to survive,” she said, as her family remains hopeful despite the grim prognosis.
The incident has sparked widespread fear and anger in the community, leading to residents forcefully closing the spaza shops suspected of selling the harmful snacks. Many locals are calling for an investigation into the safety of food products sold in informal shops and for stricter regulations to prevent further tragedies.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the children’s deaths or whether the snacks were indeed responsible. However, investigations are underway, and the community is anxiously awaiting answers.
As the community mourns the loss of these young lives, support and condolences continue to pour in for the grieving families, who are struggling to come to terms with the heartbreaking tragedy.