Rat poison killed six Naledi children
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi confirmed that six children in Naledi, Soweto, died after eating food contaminated with a dangerous pesticide called Terbufos, which is often used to kill rats.
Tests showed that the children who died on 6 October had Terbufos in their bodies.
“From the samples that were taken during post-mortems and sent for toxicology analysis, Terbufos was found to be the cause of death,” Motsoaledi said.
“The chemical is lethal and causes irreversible damage.”
The children – Katlego Olifant, Monicca Sathekge, Zinhle Maama, Isaago Mabote, Njabulo Msimango, and Karabo Rampou – became sick and died after eating snacks bought from a local tuckshop.
In response, the Department of Health last week sent 80 inspectors to Naledi to check 84 spaza shops for traces of Terbufos. The National Health Laboratory Service is testing samples from these shops, and officials are waiting to see if any of them have stocked or used the deadly chemical.
However, the packet of partially eaten snacks found in one of the children’s pockets tested negative for the pesticide.
Joseph Sathekge, the father of Monicca Sathekge, was relieved that the cause of the children’s deaths is now known but wants to know how they came in contact with the chemical.
“We now want to know how the authorities are planning to ensure that it doesn’t find its way into the community. I know we have a challenge with rat infestation, but there are other pesticides that are less lethal that could be used,” he said.
He also asked the community to help the police by reporting anyone who is illegally selling the poison.
Pictured above: Ministers briefing the media on the results of the investigation of the chemical that killed six children from Naledi, Soweto.
Source: Doreen Mokgolo