Western Cape police are investigating after small white pills were allegedly found inside packets of chips bought from spaza shops.
The latest incident sparked a protest in Wesbank on Wednesday.
Residents took to the streets after pills were allegedly found inside a packet of chips bought from a foreign national-owned tuck shop in Swartkop Street.
According to the report, the packet had been purchased at the shop and the small white pills were allegedly discovered when it was opened.
Residents demanded that the shop be closed and alerted police, who responded to the scene.
Police probe chip packet incidents
Police spokesperson Sergeant Wesley Twigg confirmed that SAPS was aware of the complaints.
“SAPS is aware of sporadic incidents where small foreign objects were allegedly found in chip packets and is probing the incidents,” Twigg said.
Police have not confirmed what the objects are.
The Wesbank scare follows a similar incident reported in Tafelsig on Wednesday morning.
Police confirmed that two learners in Tafelsig were taken to a medical facility for treatment.
The case has raised fresh concern among parents and community leaders about snacks bought by children from local tuck shops and vendors.
Wesbank community leader Quinton Duiste said residents were alarmed by the allegations.
He said the information about the chips had spread through community WhatsApp groups, prompting residents to go to the shop.
“Upset residents demanded that the shop be closed down, but currently it is still open,” Duiste said.
He said one person had allegedly found white pills inside a packet of chips, leading residents to call police.
Duiste said the allegations were especially worrying because children often buy and eat these snacks.
“This is a huge safety hazard and a concern, especially because children like to eat these chips and can get sick,” he said.
School cases add to concern
Duiste said the Wesbank report followed an incident involving two pupils who allegedly found a pill inside a blue Chippa packet at a Tafelsig school.
Teachers were alerted and pupils were reportedly urged to be careful about snacks bought from local tuck shops.
The concern comes after five learners at Sikelela Primary School in Crossroads were rushed to hospital after eating biscuits bought from a vendor outside the school.
Police and emergency medical services were also called to Sikelela Primary School on Monday.
Investigations into the incidents are continuing.