Memorial Service Held in Remembrance of Five Children
On Friday, 11 October, the Naledi Community Hall in Soweto was filled with mourners gathered to remember five children who tragically lost their lives after allegedly consuming poisoned snacks. The memorial service was a solemn occasion, as family, friends, and community members came together to honor the memories of the young victims.
The five children – Monica Sethakge (6), Njabulo Msimango (7), Isago Mabote (8), Zinhle Masilela (8), and Karabo Rampou (9) – passed away after reportedly eating snacks known as “brown dash,” which they allegedly purchased from a spaza shop owned by a foreign national. The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about food safety and the potential involvement of darker forces.
During the service, Busi Mguni, a representative of one of the affected families, delivered an emotional speech that left many in the hall in deep reflection. “I believe that the death of these kids is a sacrifice,” Busi said, alluding to the possibility of a sinister motive behind the tragedy. She suggested that a third party could have been involved in orchestrating the incident, drawing attention to the timing of the deaths.
Busi further explained, “The reason I say it seems there’s a third hand in the deaths of these kids is because of the timing of these incidents. Last year, around this time, two kids died after eating biscuits that were also allegedly poisoned. Now, the same thing has happened.” She expressed her belief that such tragic events could be linked to cult activities, stating that sacrifices are often made around this time of year, adding, “Anyone can be in a cult, including spaza shop owners.”
The mood in the community hall was somber as John Sithi, the South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) regional deputy secretary, addressed the crowd. He emphasized the importance of accountability, noting that the loss of these young lives should not be dismissed as an act of fate. “We can’t normalise man-made deaths and attribute them to God’s will,” Sithi stated firmly.
He urged the community to unite in protecting their children and ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated. “We must come together and create a safer environment for our kids. We’ve lost five future leaders. Our prayers go to the young one in hospital. We anticipate a speedy recovery so he can come and tell us the real story,” Sithi added, referencing a child who survived the incident and is still recovering in hospital.
As part of the proceedings, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane also expressed his condolences, urging the community to stay vigilant. He reminded parents and children to always check the safety of food products sold at local shops. “We must make sure to verify the quality of goods, and this incident must be the last of its kind,” he said.
The service concluded with tributes from various speakers who spoke fondly of the young victims and their bright futures. Schoolmates from the three schools that the children attended performed songs and poems in their memory, filling the hall with a sense of shared grief and loss.
The tragic incident has left the community devastated, with calls for justice and accountability growing louder. As the families of the deceased mourn their loss, the community remains united in its determination to prevent such heart-wrenching events from happening again.
