Media personality Mohale Motaung has called on the government to have illegal spaza shops closed as more food poisoning reports emerge.
‘CLOSE THESE ILLEGAL SPAZA SHOPS NOW’: MOHALE MOTAUNG
The bubbly influencer made a clarion call to the government after several reports of food poisoning and the selling of expired products were reported in several townships across the country.
In some communities, locals have since taken the law into their own hands and burned some expired products, while others have forced some spaza shops to close down.
In recent weeks, several cases of food poisoning have been reported, with school learners being the most affected.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Mohale Motaung posted, “CLOSE THESE ILLEGAL SPAZA SHOPS NOW! Children are dying while authorities turn a blind eye.
“Every day, we allow unregulated, dangerous food to be sold, and we gamble with the lives of our children. The time for action is now! @PresidencyZA.”
MZANSI REACTS
Mohale Motaung’s post has since undoubtedly divided Mzansi, with many flooding his comments section with their two cents.
Netizens have called for action to protect children, especially in rural townships. A concerned user commented, “Something must be done urgently.”
Another user added, “You are right, Mohale Motaung; they must be closed ASAP. Only legal ones who comply must trade.”
However, others were more than convinced this was a bigger problem requiring punitive measures.
Some users accused the government and people renting out their properties to these spaza owners of complicity.
Another user added, “They bring them to their Kasis and give them space to rent, then support them by buying from them.”
MORE FOOD POISONING REPORTS EMERGE
However, against the reports, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni from the Ministry of the Presidency has warned residents frequenting unregistered spaza shops could explain a spate of recent poisonings.
The Ministry of the Presidency also noted that several spaza shops are being run by foreigners selling substandard items.
Last week, it was reported that 22 pupils at Makahlule Primary School in Malamulele, Limpopo, were rushed to hospital due to suspected food poisoning.
However, MDN News also reported that 25 learners were rushed to hospital after falling ill after allegedly consuming poisonous snacks.
According to MDN News, the incident reportedly happened at the Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Zithobeni, near Bronkhorstspruit, Gauteng.
A few weeks ago, it was also reported that five children died after consuming snacks allegedly bought at a tuck shop in Naledi, Soweto.
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