DELMAS – The tragic death of a 6-year-old boy after allegedly consuming a ginger cake has ignited widespread anger and action within the Delmas community. Community members, together with local organisations and leaders, have taken the drastic step of shutting down all Somali-operated tuck shops in the area, citing concerns about food safety and compliance with operational regulations.
Dikgetse ‘Slash’ Sepenyane, a representative of the South African National Civic Organisation (SANCO), expressed the community’s frustrations. “We have experienced numerous casualties linked to unsafe practices in these shops. We engaged with the municipality and the police to enforce the removal of foreign spaza shops that do not meet legal requirements, as per the Immigration Act 13 of 2002. The police have committed to assisting in shutting down unlicensed operations to ensure this is done lawfully,” Sepenyane said.
The tragic incident occurred on November 28, 2024. The young boy, who was looking forward to his Grade R graduation ceremony, consumed a ginger cake for breakfast and later complained of severe stomach pains. His parents noticed white foam around his mouth before rushing him to the hospital, where he tragically passed away.
Neighbour Nhlanhla Mtshweni recalled the horrifying moment when the boy’s condition worsened. “The father called me for help because the boy was releasing mucus from his mouth and seemed paralysed. We gathered other neighbours and took him to the hospital, but it was too late,” she said.
The Acting Provincial Commissioner of the SAPS in Mpumalanga, Major General (Dr) Zeph Mkhwanazi, has called for calm amidst the growing unrest. “We are taking these allegations very seriously. Community members must allow authorities to conduct investigations thoroughly so that justice can be served and the family can find closure,” he urged.
Preliminary suspicions point to the ginger used in the cake, allegedly purchased from a Somali-operated tuck shop, as the possible cause of the boy’s death. Meanwhile, police investigations continue, and tensions remain high as the community demands stricter enforcement of regulations and accountability for what they perceive as ongoing safety risks posed by unregulated tuck shops.
