A tragic incident unfolded this morning when a taxi driver lost his life while transporting passengers to work. The shocking death has left commuters, community members, and fellow drivers in disbelief, as it is alleged that he consumed poisonous snacks purchased from a local spaza shop shortly before his shift.
A Morning Turned Tragic
According to witnesses, the driver began his morning as usual, collecting passengers on his route to town. However, during the trip, he suddenly complained of feeling unwell. Passengers in the taxi reported that he struggled to concentrate on the road and appeared visibly weak. Despite his determination to continue with the journey, his health deteriorated rapidly.
The vehicle was safely brought to a halt after passengers assisted in controlling the taxi when the driver collapsed behind the wheel. Sadly, despite desperate efforts to help him, the man was declared dead at the scene.
Poisonous Snack Allegations
Community members claim that the driver had earlier purchased snacks from a nearby spaza shop. It is suspected that the food may have been contaminated or poisoned, leading to his sudden death. Though investigations are still underway, this has raised serious concerns about food safety and regulation in local informal shops.
One commuter who had entered the taxi shortly after the incident said, “We were shocked. One moment he was driving, the next he said he wasn’t feeling well. He had been eating chips from a plastic packet. We don’t know what was inside.”
Police and Health Authorities Investigate
Local police confirmed the incident and stated that a case of inquest has been opened. The snacks allegedly consumed by the deceased have been taken for forensic testing to determine whether they contained harmful substances.
The Department of Health has also expressed concern, urging residents to be cautious when buying food from unregistered vendors. Officials noted that while spaza shops play a vital role in communities, the lack of quality checks often exposes customers to potential risks.
Community in Shock
The tragic death has left many in mourning. Fellow taxi drivers described the deceased as a hardworking family man who was well-respected in the industry. His sudden passing has sparked fear among drivers and passengers alike, with many calling for stricter regulations and inspections of informal shops.Family games
Residents gathered outside the shop where the snacks were allegedly bought, demanding answers from the shop owner. Some have gone as far as urging authorities to temporarily close down informal food outlets until health and safety inspections are carried out.
Calls for Stronger Food Safety Measures
This incident has reignited discussions around food safety in South Africa, particularly in townships where spaza shops are the most accessible source of groceries. Health experts warn that cases of food poisoning often go unreported, making it difficult to track unsafe products before they cause harm.Most searched jobs in South Africa
For now, the family of the deceased awaits post-mortem results that will provide clarity on the true cause of death. Meanwhile, the community continues to grieve a man who began his day with the simple task of transporting people to work, only for his life to be cut short in the most unexpected way.
