Soweto residents blame spaza for 2 kids’ ‘poison biscuits’ death
The community of Naledi, south of Johannesburg, was up in arms on Tuesday following the deaths of two children after they allegedly ate snacks from the local spaza.
Two other children survived the incident and were receiving medical treatment in hospital.
The group allegedly consumed biscuits and juice that they bought from a foreign-owned shop at the weekend.
On Tuesday, police were on high alert after residents gathered outside the shop, calling for action against the sellers.
The community’s suspicions were unconfirmed as the autopsy reports were yet to be completed.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Education Department described the deaths as unfortunate, adding it was devasted by the incident.
The two grade 1 boys from Kgauhelo Primary School and Karabo Primary School in Soweto died on Sunday.
“Two other grade 1 girl learners from Ikemeleng Primary School are currently in critical condition and are receiving medical care at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital after allegedly eating these snacks from the same spaza shop as well,” said the department’s Steve Mabona.
This incident comes less than a month after at least 90 pupils had to be treated after they allegedly consumed dagga-laced muffins at Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve, north of Pretoria.
Three people have since appeared in the Soshanguve Magistrates Court on more than 20 counts of attempted murder.
The trio was expected back in the dock on Wednesday, 4 October.
No arrests have been made in the Naledi case.
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