Series of Spaza Shop Poisonings Puts South African Children at Risk

On Thursday, October 17th, 25 pupils from Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Bronkhorstspruit were hospitalized after consuming snacks bought from local street vendors. The children complained of abdominal pains, itching, and discomfort shortly after consuming the food. Emergency services were called, and the affected students were transported to nearby clinics, with most being discharged after treatment. However, one student remains under observation while law enforcement investigates the safety of the products sold.

This incident follows a tragic case a week earlier in Naledi, Soweto, where six children died after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop. The snacks were believed to have been contaminated with a pesticide, possibly aldicarb, which is commonly sold illegally in these informal stores. These recent events have raised alarm about the safety of food products sold in spaza shops, which are often owned by foreign nationals and lack stringent regulatory oversight.

The poisoning in Naledi, which led to the deaths of children aged between 7 and 9, shocked the nation. Katlego Oliphant, one of the victims, died after a week in intensive care, while five of his friends passed away shortly after consuming the poisoned snacks. The spaza shop involved had passed health inspections earlier, but experts suggest that illegal pesticides like aldicarb might have contaminated the food.

Authorities have expressed concern about the handling of pesticides in these shops, where sellers often lack proper safety protocols. Health inspectors’ role is limited, and they are unable to remove illegal pesticides unless police are involved. This loophole, combined with the sale of unpackaged food stored near dangerous substances, has contributed to the growing crisis.

Local residents are demanding action, with protests erupting in Bronkhorstspruit after the latest poisoning. Some residents targeted local spaza shops, destroying goods in frustration over the repeated incidents. Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane urged vigilance, stating, “Our priority is the health and safety of our children.”

These incidents highlight the urgent need for stricter regulation of spaza shops and better enforcement of food safety standards in South Africa as the country grapples with an alarming increase in food poisonings that disproportionately affect children.