Gauteng SAPS open inquest docket in death of Soweto boy (9)

JOHANNESBURG - Another child has reportedly died in Diepkloof, Soweto, in a suspected food poisoning incident. 

The nine-year-old boy is believed to have died after consuming food, but it remains unclear where the food was obtained from. 

The Gauteng South African Police Service (SAPS)'s Mavela Masondo said they "have opened an inquest docket and are investigating circumstances that led to the death" of the child.

He added: "It is reported that the boy went to sleep the night before after having his supper, and when they tried to wake him up in the morning, he did not respond."

Masondo said paramedics called to the scene certified the boy dead, adding the cause of death would be determined once the postmortem results are finalised.

Last week, five-year-old Siyabonga Mnisi - also from Diepkloof - died after allegedly consuming snacks from a spaza shop near his home. 

More than 20 children have died in recent food poisoning incidents as the government continues to scramble to regulate the spaza shop industry. 

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