A devastating tragedy has rocked the Dali Mpofu informal settlement in Ivory Park, Ekurhuleni, where a three-year-old boy, Kagiso Khoza, lost his life after allegedly consuming a jelly juice purchased from a local spaza shop. Two other children who shared the same juice are currently fighting for their lives in hospital.
The incident occurred on Sunday, 8 December, and has since sparked outrage within the community. Residents have taken swift action, shutting down the spaza shop implicated in the incident while authorities investigate.
### A Mother’s Heartbreaking Loss
Flora Khoza, Kagiso’s grieving mother, described the terrifying night her son fell ill. After consuming the jelly juice, Kagiso began vomiting pinkish fluid. She initially rushed him to Ebony Park Clinic but felt the response from medical staff was inadequate. Desperate to save her son, she later took him to Thembisa Hospital. Despite the hospital staff’s efforts, Kagiso could not be revived.
“I regret taking him to the clinic because I feel they did nothing to save him,” Flora lamented.
Kagiso’s uncle, Lucky Ubissi, expressed his devastation over the loss. “We are shattered. We never imagined such a tragedy could happen in our family,” he said.
### Two Other Children in Critical Condition
Tiny Motsoe, whose three-year-old grandson is among the hospitalized children, is pleading for prayers. Her grandson had been playing with friends when they were given money to buy treats. The children purchased the jelly juice, and later that evening, all three fell violently ill.
“It’s something we’ve heard about happening to others, but I never thought it would happen to us,” Tiny said.
Community leader Kgopotso Moloi described the chaos that unfolded as distressed parents contacted her for help. “Kids were vomiting, and parents were panicking. Two children are still in hospital, and sadly, Kagiso died on the way to the hospital. It’s heartbreaking because I was very close to him,” she said.
### Community Demands Action
Residents of Dali Mpofu have called for the closure of all spaza shops operated by aboMyFriend, the shop owner allegedly responsible for selling the tainted jelly juice. This incident follows reports of more than 23 children nationwide dying from alleged food poisoning linked to unsafe products sold at spaza shops.
Authorities are now urging stricter regulation of spaza shops. The government has emphasized the need for all spaza shops to be registered and inspected to ensure compliance with food safety standards. Shops found linked to food poisoning incidents may face permanent closure.
### Investigations Underway
Police have confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened. Health inspectors are conducting tests to determine the exact toxin present in the juice. The community is also awaiting postmortem results to confirm the cause of Kagiso’s death.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated food products in informal markets. Residents are demanding justice and accountability to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The loss of Kagiso has left a deep wound in the community, with many questioning how many more children must suffer before decisive action is taken.