While the community of Naledi has vowed to continue closing down spaza shops operated by undocumented immigrants in the area, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has pinned his hopes on one of the surviving victims of alleged poisonous snacks.
The tightly knit community of Naledi is in mourning following a devastating incident that claimed the lives of five young children, all aged between six and 10, who reportedly consumed toxic snacks from a local spaza shop.
The tragedy has left families shattered and reignited tensions over the role of undocumented immigrants in the local economy.
On Sunday, the neighbourhood was rocked as news broke that the children —friends who had gathered to enjoy chips purchased from the shop — suffered fatal consequences after consuming the snacks.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi expressed his deep sorrow to the families during a visit on Tuesday, confirming his commitment to provide support while the investigation unfolds.
“Obviously, we are deeply saddened by the situation that has occurred here. We have prepared to visit the families and have requested the leadership of the police to give us an extensive report of where they are now and what it is that they are busy with,” Lesufi stated.
“It was a difficult task to move from one family to another, because these families are paralysed by this turn of events.”
As Lesufi and a delegation of officials, including MEC of Social Development Faith Mazibuko and acting mayor Jack Sekwaila, met with community leaders, they were met with practical demands.
Ahead of the premier’s visit, some members of the community embarked on a shutdown of a few spaza shops.
They said that the stores would stay closed until such time that locals and families who are eager to take over the business are given the authority to do so.
Lesego Letsatsi, a local resident, called for a more comprehensive economic plan for Naledi, condemning the rise of spaza shops primarily run by undocumented immigrants.
“I can’t say we are satisfied with what the premier and other government officials have said today. We need a comprehensive plan that will ensure that we as young people and the community benefit through an economic plan,” Letsatsi insisted.
“Until such time, we will continue to shut down all the spaza shops and we will not allow illegal immigrants to operate them when there are many people who are unemployed.”
Lesufi vowed to uphold community engagement, stating that the affected families would not be left alone in their grief.
He highlighted that one surviving child remained in critical condition, with hopes that their recovery could shed light on the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
“We hope the child pulls through so that he can give us the information,” Lesufi told journalists.
Mgcini Tshwaku, the MMC for Community Safety, emphasised that the community must take an active role in the decision-making processes surrounding the future of spaza shops.
“If you want spaza shops closed down, you must inform the government for that to happen,” he said, reminding the residents that closure could impact local economic livelihoods.
The Star