Naledi Community Mourns Learners Who Ate Poisoned Chips
Busi Mnguni urged the government to reinstate school assemblies to allow children to pray.
Naledi Community Mourns Learners Who Ate Poisoned Chips
The Naledi Hall was packed to capacity as the community gathered to celebrate the lives of five children who tragically died after allegedly consuming poisoned chips. The memorial service was a solemn occasion, filled with heartfelt tributes and calls for action.
60 Learners Hospitalized in Food Poisoning Case
Isago Mabote (7), Njabulo Msimango (7), Zinhle Maama (7), Karabo Rampou (8), and Monica Sathekge (6) passed away on Sunday afternoon. One of their friends remains in hospital, fighting for his life.
Speaking on behalf of the Msimango family, Busi Mnguni urged the government to reinstate school assemblies to allow children to pray. Mnguni said:
Naledi is a praying community, but we have become vulnerable because we have distanced ourselves from God, giving evildoers leeway to harm our children.
She expressed her belief that something is deeply wrong in Naledi, citing similar incidents in the past.
We cannot lose children like this. The same thing happened last year around this time.
It's obvious somebody is in a cult, khona othwele la eNaledi (someone has sacrificed with our kids).
Naledi Community Mourns Learners Who Ate Poisoned Chips
She added: “So it's up to you, community members, to deal with this and protect your kids and be parents to all of them.”
Njabulo was remembered as a brilliant child who always felt ahead of his time. Zinhle Maama's teacher, Dimakatso Mkhize, shared her memories of Zinhle's vibrant energy and broad smile.
She was a beautiful child with a beautiful soul. The first thing I'd notice about her when she entered the classroom was her smile.
Zinhle was a high achiever who enjoyed learning more than anything else.
MEC for Education Matome Chiloane called for a discussion on the role of foreign nationals trading in townships.
The community needs to be our eyes and ears when it comes to such incidents. This should be the last time we face such a tragedy.
Undocumented foreign nationals shouldn't be allowed to trade in our country.
The funeral for the five children will be held on Sunday.
