By Doreen Mokgolo
Angry residents in Naledi Ext, Soweto, are forcing foreign shop owners to close after five children died from eating poisoned snacks.
The victims, all primary school students, are Zinhle Maama, 7; Njabulo Msimango, 7; Karabo Rampou, 8; Isago Mabote, 8; and Monicca Sathekge, 6.
They died after consuming snacks from a local shop on Sunday. Another child, Katlego Olifant, 7, is fighting for her life in hospital.
The children fell ill after eating snacks called “brown dash.”
They passed away at Zola, Chawela, and Jabulani hospitals.
“He was shaking, and his heart was beating fast; then he started throwing up a brownish substance through his mouth and nose,” said Isago’s grandmother, Agnes Mabote.
“We hired an Uber to take him to hospital as we were told the ambulance would take 30 to 45 minutes to arrive.”
She added: “The children turned purple with swollen tummies and were vomiting a brown substance.”
Karabo’s mother, Lydia Olifant, said: “My son is a fighter, and though he is in great pain, he is fighting, and we are holding prayers that he survives this ordeal.”
Pictured above: The deceased learners.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo
