Kgomotso Modise28 October 2024 | 8:09

Organophosphate pesticide caused deaths of 6 children in Naledi - Motsoaledi

The children died earlier in October after eating snacks from a spaza shop.

Organophosphate pesticide caused deaths of 6 children in Naledi - Motsoaledi

Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams (left), Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi (centre) and Police Minister Senzo Mchunu (right) during a briefing on food safety in Kempton Park on 28 October 2024. Picture: GCIS

JOHANNESBURG - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has revealed that a pesticide known as organophosphate caused the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto.

The children died earlier in October after eating snacks from a spaza shop.

But Motsoaledi said that the pesticide was not found in the packet of chips found in one of the children's pockets.

He said that an investigation was ongoing to determine where the chemical was found.

Government officials are briefing the media on the results of a toxicology report.