Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed that the tragic deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, were caused by food poisoning due to a chemical called Organophosphate. This substance, primarily used as a pesticide, was identified as the culprit in an official briefing on October 28 at the City Lodge Hotel near OR Tambo International Airport.
Dr. Motsoaledi explained that Organophosphates comprise a group of chemicals, with the specific one responsible in this case being Terbufos. All six children reportedly ingested this toxic substance, leading to their untimely deaths. The confirmation follows weeks of investigation where various chemicals were examined as potential causes of the fatalities.
Initially, there were speculations regarding other chemicals, including Carbamates, which were believed to be involved based on early postmortem observations. However, toxicology reports have since clarified that Organophosphate, not Carbamate, was responsible for the deaths. Dr. Motsoaledi highlighted the significant difference in toxicity between the two, noting that Organophosphates are more lethal and can cause irreversible harm.
In a related development, four individuals were arrested on October 25 at a mall in Johannesburg for selling a chemical known as Aldicarb, which falls under the Carbamate category. While Aldicarb was not linked to the recent deaths, its sale remains illegal due to its dangerous nature. During investigations in Naledi, some shop owners admitted to purchasing illegal chemicals from these sellers.
Samples collected from various spaza shops in Soweto have been sent for analysis, although results are still pending. Dr. Motsoaledi emphasized the importance of determining whether the same type of Organophosphate found in the deceased children was also available in local shops.
Following the incident, police conducted thorough investigations, even analyzing a packet of chips given to one of the deceased children, which tested negative for harmful substances. The symptoms of Organophosphate toxicity include severe diarrhea, vomiting, excessive salivation, and involuntary urination, underscoring the severity of this chemical’s effects on the human body.
The Health Minister expressed his commitment to addressing the issue of illegal chemical sales, especially those that pose a risk to public health. He urged the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities regarding the sale of such dangerous substances.
This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting calls for stricter regulations on the sale of agricultural chemicals and heightened awareness of the risks associated with their misuse. The government is now under pressure to ensure that such tragedies do not occur again.
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