Diepkloof community gathers to bid Siyabonga Mnisi (5) goodbye

JOHANNESBURG - The community of Diepkloof in Soweto has gathered to say their final goodbyes to five-year-old Siyabonga Mnisi.

The little boy lost his life last week after allegedly eating contaminated snacks from a local spaza shop.

Police said Mnisi and three other children fell ill shortly afterwards, showing symptoms of food poisoning including vomiting, nausea, and difficulty breathing.

The little boy died at a nearby hospital.

READ: Months after burying his father, Siyabonga Mnisi’s father must now bury his son

A relative read a heartbreaking letter written by the boy's mother.

“With you gone, I’m sorry to say I feel God has failed me for the second time. I don’t know why, my boy, but rest, my child – be an angel.”

Siyabonga’s death has sent shockwaves through the community, adding to the growing list of children whose lives have been cut short by a spate of food-borne illnesses.

He was laid to rest at the Diepkloof Cemetery.

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