Otlotleng Msimango has been struggling to come to terms with the tragic death of her son, Njabulo, who was one of six children who lost their lives after consuming snacks from a spaza shop in Naledi, Soweto, in mid-October. The Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, recently announced that all six children died as a result of consuming a pesticide known as Terbufos, which is classified as an organophosphate. However, this revelation has only left Msimango with more questions than answers.
Msimango expressed her confusion by stating, “On the death certificate, they wrote that the cause of death is under investigation. Now I hear that the children died from a pesticide but I still don’t understand how it got to their chips. I was told that my son died from rat poison.” The lack of clarity surrounding her son’s tragic passing has only added to her grief.
The six children who tragically lost their lives were identified as Njabulo Msimango (7), Zinhle Mama (7), Monica Sathekge (6), Karabo Rampou (8), and Isago Mabitsela (7). While some parents, like Joseph Sathekge, the father of Monica, have accepted the official reports, others are still grappling with the devastating loss of their children.
Joseph Sathekge shared, “This is very painful and hurting for us as families. Whether we accept the report or not will not bring back our children. Ours is to focus on the future. Pointing fingers at this stage will not help us, instead, it will bring more misery to our lives. I have lost an angel, Monica was my last born.” He expressed a desire to receive a written report so that he can find closure and move forward from this heartbreaking chapter in his life.
During a joint media briefing with various officials, Minister Motsoaledi clarified that the children did not die from food poisoning or from a pesticide called carbamates, as had been previously speculated. The toxicology report confirmed the cause of death as organophosphate poisoning. Motsoaledi revealed that investigations are ongoing to determine if the same pesticide found in the children’s bodies was present in the spaza shops where the tainted snacks were purchased.
Motsoaledi pointed out that the pesticide, organophosphate, is often used by spaza shop owners to kill rats but should not be present in food products. He emphasized the risks posed to children by pesticides, citing their smaller bodies and vulnerability to toxicity. Signs of organophosphate poisoning in children can include severe diarrhea, vomiting, excessive urination, foaming at the mouth, and tears flowing from the eyes. The cause of death typically occurs in the lungs, leading to respiratory distress.
To address cases of organophosphate poisoning, healthcare workers are advised to administer an intravenous atropine injection, with the antidote Afri Tox being recommended. In response to the tragedy, four individuals were arrested for selling illegal chemicals, although it was determined that the chemical they were selling was not responsible for the children’s deaths.
The community remains in shock and mourning as they seek justice for the young lives lost due to this tragic incident. The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the source of the toxic pesticide and hold those responsible accountable for their actions. The families of the deceased children hope to find closure and solace amidst the immense pain and sorrow they are experiencing. Spaza shop inspections continuing
The National Consumer Commission is cracking down on spaza shops that are selling expired goods and improperly labeled products. Acting commissioner Hardin Ratshisusu has confirmed that inspections will continue to ensure that consumers are protected from purchasing unsafe or expired items.
During these inspections, officials look for expired goods and check the labeling on products. Spaza shop owners found to be in violation of consumer protection laws can face hefty fines. According to Ratshisusu, offenders can be fined up to R1 million or 10% of their revenue after being prosecuted by the National Consumer Tribunal.
Recently, a spaza shop in Johannesburg was fined R2000 for selling expired goods. This serves as a warning to other shop owners who may be cutting corners and putting consumers at risk. It is crucial for spaza shop owners to comply with regulations and ensure that their products are safe for consumption.
The National Consumer Commission is committed to upholding consumer rights and will continue to conduct inspections to hold irresponsible spaza shop owners accountable. Consumers can rest assured that steps are being taken to protect their interests and prevent them from being taken advantage of by unscrupulous shop owners. Stay tuned for more updates on spaza shop inspections and consumer protection efforts.
