WATCH | Tensions in Alexandra after girl dies from contaminated snacks

Food poisoning

Cape Town – A ten-year-old girl in Alexandra, Johannesburg, tragically died after allegedly consuming contaminated snacks from a local spaza shop.

Her mother and four-year-old sibling were hospitalised in critical condition, reports said on Sunday. 

According to Times Live, local community members attempted to shut down a tuck shop where the family reportedly bought the snacks prior to falling ill.

The child’s father recounted how symptoms began an hour after eating, and despite quick efforts to seek medical help, the nine-year-old passed away.

“My daughter came from a toilet complaining about chest pains, we took her to Masakhane clinic and on the way, she was unable to breathe. When we got to the clinic, I dropped her off in the emergency room. We were called after some minutes to be informed of her passing.

“While still there, their mother complained about stomach pains. She was admitted and I called a neighbour to assist in transporting my four -year-old boy whom we left home so that he could get medical attention. They were both taken to Edenvale Hospital. Their mother is in critical condition.,” the report quoted the father as saying.

Meanwhile , the  Gauteng police have deployed officers to calm rising tensions, as some community members reportedly threatened to destroy the shop, EWN reported. 

Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni said that a dedicated investigation team, including health experts, is working to uncover the facts.

He urged the public to avoid speculation and extended condolences to the bereaved family.

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