In Soweto, in the Naledi district of Johannesburg, tragedy strikes once again. Five children, aged six to nine, died last weekend after showing symptoms suggesting food poisoning. A sixth child is in critical condition in hospital. As the investigation continues, suspicion focuses on the food they allegedly consumed before their death, fries according to the families, sold by stores in the neighborhood.
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With our correspondent in Johannesburg, Claire Bargelès
These children, aged six to nine years old, suffered from vomiting and stomach aches before dying a few moments after returning home. They all allegedly consumed snacks sold on their street. A tragedy all too familiar for the neighborhood, since last year, two children died after eating biscuits bought in these same stores. Tests carried out at the time, however, concluded that these biscuits were not toxic.
These new deaths have reignited anger among the “ spaza shops », these small stores present in the townships, often run by foreign traders of Ethiopian, Somali, Bangladeshi or Pakistani origin. In a country where xenophobic temptation is great, some members of the community are calling for the closure of these stores, perceived as dangerous. Traders were even forced to close their shops this week, under pressure from residents.
Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a member of the ANC, reacted by advising residents to no longer buy from stores not registered by the municipality.
The funerals of the five children are planned for this Sunday.