The six kids, who died of food poisoning in Naledi, Soweto, were killed by Organophosphate.
This is a chemical substance used as a pesticide.
The toxicologists’ results unequivocally show that the cause of death was Organophosphate.
This was revealed by Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi during a media briefing held on Monday, 28 October, at City Lodge Hotel, OR Tambo International Airport in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni.
“As you know, Organophosphate is not one substance but a group of substances, usually used in agriculture or as pesticides. The Organophosphate identified in this instance is called Terbufos. All six kids died of Terbufos ingestion,” Motsoaledi said.
He said in the past weeks, several chemicals were considered as possible causes of death, with some even found at retailers.
“There’s a slight difference between Carbamates and Organophosphates. One major difference is that Organophosphate is more lethal and can cause irreversible damage.
“Last week, there was a statement indicating that Carbamates were the cause of death. This was based on postmortem observations, but toxicology has proven that the actual cause of death is Organophosphate and not Carbamate,” he said.
Meanwhile, on Friday, 25 October, four people were arrested at the Joburg Mall for trading in a chemical called Aldicarb.
A total of 1 450g of the chemical was confiscated.
Dr Motsoaledi said during operations in Naledi, some spaza shop owners confessed that these individuals were selling them illegal chemicals.
“Aldicarb falls in the class of Carbamates, and as stated, Aldicarb was not the cause of death in these cases. However, it remains illegal to sell to the public because it’s also a dangerous substance.”
“Samples taken from various spaza shops in Soweto have been sent to the National Health Laboratory Service, and we’re still waiting for the results.
“While Organophosphate was found in the bodies of these kids, we’re still waiting to see if the same Organophosphate was found at the spaza shops. So far, we have not made that link,” he said.
During investigations, police were given a packet of chips after one of the kids died.
This was sent for analysis, and the results were negative.
Motsoaledi said signs and symptoms of Organophosphate toxicity include severe diarrhoea, vomiting, foaming at the mouth and nose, tears flowing from the eyes without crying, and constant urination.
