Sat. Nov 2nd, 2024

JOHANNESBURG – Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that spaza shop owners in Naledi, Soweto, will face legal action if a connection is established between their establishments and the recent deaths of six children linked to food poisoning.

During a government briefing on Monday, it was confirmed that the deadly organophosphate pesticide terbufos was responsible for the fatalities, which occurred earlier this month. The pesticide is typically used in agriculture by certified professionals.

The tragic incident began when the children fell ill after consuming snacks purchased from a local spaza shop. One child was found with a packet of crisps in his possession, which was subsequently tested for organophosphates but returned a negative result.

Motsoaledi stated that swabs taken from the spaza shop are currently being analyzed by the National Health Laboratory to determine any potential links to the pesticide. “Whether spaza shop owners will be charged? Yes, if we are able to make this link,” he affirmed.

Officials suspect that the spaza shop owners may have improperly used the pesticide for pest control purposes, particularly against rats. The investigation continues as authorities seek to ensure accountability in this tragic case.

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