Public Protector's report finds Gauteng child deaths were preventable

JOHANNESBURG - Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka says the deaths of children linked to alleged food poisoning in Gauteng could have been prevented.

She's released a report on the deaths of at least 23 children linked to contaminated snacks bought from spaza shops and street vendors in 2024.

Gcaleka says weak enforcement of food safety laws has left Gauteng vulnerable to more food contamination incidents.
The report also found that some South Africans are colluding with foreign nationals to break the law.
Gcaleka says evidence points to business fronting, fraud and tax evasion.

The Public Protector has turned up the pressure on Gauteng.

The Premier has been ordered to urgently establish a multi-departmental technical committee to tackle critical staffing and funding shortages.

Police, meanwhile, have been asked to investigate alleged fraud and corruption linked to the spaza shop registrations.

The public has been invited to make submissions before the report is finalised.

eNCA's Manqoba Mchunu reports in the video above.