Tragedy struck in Diepkloof, Soweto, when a five-year-old boy reportedly died after consuming snacks purchased from a local spaza shop. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, November 20, has left the community shaken and grieving.
The young boy, accompanied by a friend, bought the snacks from a spaza shop allegedly owned by a foreign national. Just 20 minutes after consuming the items, he began feeling unwell and was rushed to a healthcare facility. Unfortunately, he was declared dead shortly after arrival.
In addition to the deceased boy, three other children are currently in critical condition at a local hospital. They are believed to have also consumed snacks from the same shop and experienced similar symptoms of illness.
Community Outcry and Warnings Ignored
Ward Councillor Brenda Dammie expressed deep sorrow and frustration over the incident. She revealed that warnings about purchasing goods from certain spaza shops had been issued to the community in the past.
“We’ve been telling people to avoid buying from these shops. Just two weeks ago, I warned residents about the dangers of these snacks, and now we’ve lost a child. It’s heartbreaking,” Dammie said.https://twitter.com/eNCA/status/1859468583627096493?s=19
She called on homeowners who rent their properties to shop owners to take responsibility. “We cannot force them to shut down the shops, but they need to recognize the dangers these businesses pose. This tragedy could have been avoided.”
The spaza shop in question has since been closed by community members, who are demanding accountability for the child’s death.
Police Investigation Underway
Police have launched an inquest into the boy’s death. Spokeswoman Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi confirmed the investigation and stated that the cause of death would be determined following an autopsy.
“According to reports, the child began vomiting and had a runny stomach before being taken to a local clinic, where he was declared dead. The cause of death is currently unknown, and we are awaiting the results of the autopsy,” Nevhuhulwi said.
Renewed Concerns Over Food Safety
This tragedy has reignited concerns about food safety in spaza shops, particularly those owned by foreign nationals. Similar incidents involving expired or unsafe food items have been reported in various parts of the country.
Authorities have urged communities to prioritize safety and avoid purchasing potentially harmful products. Efforts to crack down on illegal and unregulated shops have also been emphasized.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of the five-year-old has left the Diepkloof community mourning and demanding stricter measures to prevent further tragedies. Residents are calling for greater oversight of businesses operating in their neighborhoods to ensure the safety of their families.
As investigations continue, the community is rallying around the affected families, hoping for answers and justice.