The community of Naledi Extension in Soweto has been struck by grief once again as a sixth child has tragically passed away following the horrific snacks poisoning incident. The young boy, Katlego Olifant, who had been fighting for his life in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Dr. SK Matseke Memorial Hospital, also known as Lesedi Hospital, succumbed to the alleged poisoning a week after his friends’ deaths.
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The initial tragedy occurred on Sunday, 6 October, when five children, including Katlego’s friends, consumed snacks reportedly bought from a local spaza shop. Sadly, all five children passed away, and their deaths sent shockwaves through the community. Katlego, the lone survivor, had been in critical condition, fighting for his life for several days before passing on Sunday, 13 October.
A Mother’s Grief
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Katlego’s mother, Lydia Olifant, had shared her heartbreak with *Daily Sun* just days before her son’s death, expressing her uncertainty and fear over his condition. The doctors at the hospital had informed her that there was little they could do but pray and hope for the best.
“I don’t know what to think anymore. Yesterday, he was shaking, but today he seemed a little better. The doctor told me that the poison was starting to leave his system. However, they couldn’t confirm if my child would make it or not,” Lydia shared.
Despite the small glimmers of hope, Lydia and her family were bracing for the worst. She revealed that she had been advised to pray, as the situation was dire and Katlego was fighting a difficult battle against the poison that had ravaged his body.
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### A Community in Mourning
The tragic death of Katlego Olifant adds to the overwhelming grief already felt by the Soweto community. The news of his passing was confirmed during the funeral service for the other five children, held at the Naledi Community Hall. The mourners, who had gathered to pay their last respects to the victims, paused for a moment of silence to honor Katlego, whose soul had just departed. The emotional scene was a reflection of the collective sorrow that has engulfed the neighborhood since the tragedy unfolded.
The loss of six young lives in such a short time has shaken the community, leaving parents and families devastated and seeking answers. The exact cause of the alleged poisoning remains under investigation, with authorities working to determine whether the snacks purchased from the local spaza shop were tainted with harmful substances.
### Calls for Action
In the wake of these heartbreaking events, the community is demanding stricter regulations and oversight on the sale of food items in local shops, particularly those that cater to children. Parents are now more vigilant, and many are calling on authorities to close down the spaza shop where the snacks were allegedly purchased until the investigation is concluded.
As the families of the deceased children struggle to cope with their losses, they are also left grappling with the urgent need for justice and accountability. The heartbreaking death of Katlego marks the final chapter in a tragedy that has devastated an entire community and left a lasting scar on those who knew and loved the victims.
For more updates on this ongoing story, and other news from Soweto, stay tuned.