Gauteng Police Commissioner Tommy Mthombeni has confirmed that the deaths of six children in Naledi, Soweto, earlier this month were caused by a toxic pesticide. Forensic lab results revealed that the children, who fell ill after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop, were exposed to carbamate, a chemical used to kill insects.
Speaking to the media in Eldorado Park, Mthombeni urged shop owners and residents to exercise caution when using pesticides. "We need to be mindful when using these insect-killing baits, as they can become hazardous, especially when applied on walls or inside homes," he warned.
Mthombeni reiterated that the forensic findings clearly identified carbamate as the cause of death, emphasizing the need for proper handling of such substances to prevent further tragedies. Authorities continue to investigate the incident.