Four arrested, two released on bail in connection with sale of chemical linked to the deaths of 6 children in Naledi
Motsoaledi says health inspectors examined 84 spaza shops in Naledi over the past few days following the deaths of six children.
FILE: Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi. Picture: Sapa.
JOHANNESBURG - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has revealed that four people have been arrested following recent health inspections at spaza shops in Soweto.
Motsoaledi made the announcement during a media briefing by the ANC's NEC sub-committee on peace and stability on Friday.
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He said that health inspectors examined 84 spaza shops in Naledi over the past few days following the deaths of six children.
They died after consuming snacks from the local shops.
Motsoaledi said that health officials identified a chemical believed to be linked to the deaths.
The minister said that four people linked to the sale of the chemical were arrested over the last few days.
Two of them have already been released on bail.
Motsoaledi said that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases is now running tests on the chemical.
"The NICD brought together experts. Chemical pathologists are there, forensic pathologists are there, epidemiologists are there and some clinicians who specialise in people who have been chemically poisoned."
Earlier this week, 16 pupils at a school in Tembisa were hospitalised after eating atchar purchased from a pupil at their school.
It is understood two Grade 7 pupils were selling the atchar on behalf of a community member.