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Community members in Alexandra, Johannesburg, tried to shut down a spaza shop on Sunday after a 10-year-old girl died after reportedly eating snacks from the store.
The girl’s 38-year-old mother and four-year-old brother were still receiving treatment at Edenvale Hospital on Sunday.
The Gauteng Department of Health said they are being treated for “suspected foodborne illness”.
The Gauteng Health Department’s spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, said the girl passed away after being rushed to the emergency unit of the Alexandra Community Health Centre on Saturday night.
He added that the mother and the young boy are “in a stable condition”.
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The Gauteng Health Department appealed to the community in Alexandra not to seek justice for the girl’s death.
“We appeal to the public not to take the law into their own hands but to rather notify relevant authorities where they pick up noncompliance issues,” it said.
Modiba said the department is still waiting for reports on the cause of the sudden illness and death.
“The department extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family during this difficult time,” he said.
“Government is concerned about the rising incidents of foodborne illnesses, particularly those affecting children. The department is working closely with multiple stakeholders and the municipalities to heighten awareness in townships, informal settlements, and hostel communities.”
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The department has urged the public to be cautious when buying and eating food.
It advised community members to:
It also reminded shops to stick to the conditions of their permits, including environmental health regulations and hygiene standards.
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