“The national structure responsible for coordinating the security of the state (NatJoints) is treating the incidents as a potential threat to the security of the country and its citizens. Last week NatJoints met to analyse the situation, and after careful analysis recommended all the investigations involving different institutions and bodies should be coordinated by the department of health because, in the final analysis, whatever is happening eventually leads to ill-health and even death,” the minister said.
After a meeting with the institutions, each reported on its preliminary findings, which found outbreaks are commonly caused by a biological, chemical or physical agent.
The team concluded a chemical agent was the cause but this must be urgently identified, Motsoaledi said.
“A plan has subsequently been hatched to mount a systemic search for the agent causing this malady. On [Thursday] the first steps of implementing the plan were triggered and will be accelerated during the course of the week. Among others, the plan entails unleashing an army of 80 environmental inspectors from the department of health and the City of Johannesburg. They will be joined by teams selected from the police, agriculture and National Consumer Council. On October 21 the teams will commence their work in Naledi,” he said.
Primary schoolchildren Zinhle Maama, 7, Monica Sathekge, 6, Njabulo Msimango, 7, Karabo Rampou, 8, Isago Mabote, 7, and Katleho Olifant, 7, died after allegedly eating poisoned snacks bought from a local spaza shop. Olifant died days later in hospital after being admitted in a critical state.
