Police on guard in Bronkhorstspruit as community demonstrates against sale of contaminated food

JOHANNESBURG - Dozens of police officers have been deployed to the Zithobeni township, in Bronkhorstspruit, to prevent the looting of foreign-owned spaza shops in the community.

This follows seven children who were rushed to hospital earlier on Thursday, after consuming chips allegedly bought from a street vendor.

It is understood pupils at the Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School started complaining about stomach cramps.

Frustrated community members gathered outside the school, demonstrating against the sale of contaminated foods.

Close to 30 police vans and nyalas patrolled the streets of the Zithobeni community, where frustrated residents raided local spaza shops.

ALSO READ: 3 Bronkhorstspruit pupils treated in hospital after allegedly consuming snacks from street vendor

Armed with rifles and bulletproof vests, the men in blue were trying to prevent another uproar by the disgruntled community members.

But one resident said it was time the government acted against spaza shops selling contaminated substances.

“This doesn’t sit well with us because we have kids. We can’t stop our kids from going to spaza shops. So, the government should do something about these spaza shops.”

Dozens of pupils who saw their classmates complain about stomach cramps were watching in shock as police patrolled the community.

Meanwhile, political leaders arrived to engage community members about the incident.