‘Spaza shops not yet linked to children’s deaths’

How did the six children from Naledi, Soweto, get in contact with organophosphate [halephirimi]?

Exactly 23 days since the deaths of the children due to poisoning, the source of the organophosphate they ingested is still not known.

On Monday, health minister Aaron Motsoaledi told the media that the children died from helephirimi which was, however, not linked to the snacks they ate. The minister said they hope the swabs taken from 84 spaza shops they inspected over the past two weeks would reveal the source of the poison.

The organophosphate identified in this instance is called Terbufos. 

After the deaths of Njabulo Msimango, Zinhle Masilela, Isago Mabote, Monica Sathege and Karabo Rampou on October 6 and the ultimate death of Katlego Oliphant a week later, the department sent 80 environmental health inspectors to 84 spaza shops around Soweto.  

“Organophosphate is not supposed to be found ordinarily in domestic substances but I want to emphasise that is not a substance that must really be used domestically,” said Motsoaledi.