Different government departments and agencies in South Africa have determined, after a thorough analysis, that the country is facing a potential chemical agent linked to a series of food poisoning cases.
A team of experts has been dispatched urgently to identify this chemical agent. Earlier this month, incidents of suspected food poisoning were reported, including a case at Makahlule Primary School in Limpopo, where 22 students were taken to a clinic after falling ill.
Foster Mohale, spokesperson for the national Department of Health, noted a troubling trend of sudden food-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among schoolchildren. He stated, “Those affected believe these illnesses stem from food sold by foreign-owned spaza shops, leading to perceptions that authorities are ignoring the crisis.”
Following these incidents, several spaza shops were vandalized amid allegations linking them to the deaths of children. Mohale emphasized that various authorities are actively investigating these matters, especially the tragic cases in Naledi, Soweto.
Investigative efforts include detectives from the SA Police Service working to determine the cause of death, while environmental inspectors from local metros are checking for health compliance. The Department of Agriculture is also involved, looking into the possibility of issues with food production.
The National Consumer Commission has sent officials to assess potential violations of consumer protection laws. Mohale highlighted that these investigations aim to ensure compliance with regulations and to uncover any breaches.
The National Joint Operations and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) views these incidents as potential threats to public safety. They recently recommended that the Department of Health coordinate all investigations, given that the outcomes affect public health.
Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi convened meetings with various agencies, including the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD), to leverage their previous experience with foodborne pathogens like Listeria. This collaboration aims to identify the source of the current health crisis.
After extensive discussions, it was concluded that South Africa is likely facing a chemical agent that requires urgent identification. A plan has been initiated to conduct a systematic search for this agent, beginning on October 17, 2024, with a team of 80 environmental inspectors working alongside law enforcement and agricultural officials.
These teams underwent training at the NICD and will start their investigations in Naledi, Soweto, on October 21, 2024. This comes after reports of a seven-year-old boy, Katlego Olifant, who tragically died following what is believed to be food poisoning from contaminated snacks.
ALSO READ : Tragic Landslide: Government Organizes State Funeral for Six Kwekwe Miners
