In a harrowing incident that shocked the nation, five children have lost their lives after allegedly eating poisonous snacks in Naledi, Soweto.

This disturbing event on Sunday, starkly echoes a similar tragedy in the same area a year earlier when three children died.

The spectre of food poisoning has haunted South African communities.

In Vredefort, in the northern Free State, two children died after eating snacks from a local spaza shop.

Another two deaths were reported in Bekkersdal, on the West Rand, where children ate snacks at a taxi rank. Such incidents highlight an alarming trend that is robbing innocent children of their lives.

Authorities have taken some action in response to these grim occurrences.

In October 2022, inspectors from the Business Regulations and Consumer Protection Unit uncovered tainted food being sold in supermarkets in Umlazi.

This reactive approach though is insufficient in the face of repeated tragedies. Only after the most recent loss of life have the authorities in Naledi begun to scramble for a response, showcasing a troubling pattern of delayed action.

In Pretoria, an even more severe incident saw over 100 learners from HM Baloyi Secondary School in Winterveldt taken to hospitals due to suspected food poisoning, also in 2022.

These cases highlight an urgent need for government and law enforcement agencies to adopt a more proactive stance in protecting children from hazardous food products.

Nobody should have to bury a child owing to negligence surrounding food safety. As a nation, we are tragically witness to a failure in protecting our youngest and most vulnerable citizens. This pattern of reactive responses must be shattered; the authorities must ensure that those who endanger children’s lives are held accountable.

The message must be loud and clear: no one should gamble with the lives of children and escape justice.

The operators of places from which lethal snacks are sold must face prosecution. Only through stringent enforcement of the law can we hope to halt the monstrous threats to our children.

Cape Times