EL Mayor Visits Msintsi Families After Suspected Food Poisoning Deaths

BCMM Mayor Visits Msintsi Families After Death of Two Children

The Executive Mayor of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, Councillor Princess Faku, on Sunday visited families in Msintsi following the tragic death of two children who are believed to have consumed suspected poisoned food.

The visit formed part of the municipality’s efforts to convey condolences and support to the affected families during what has been described as an extremely difficult period for the community. Several other children are reportedly still receiving medical treatment in hospital.

Speaking to relatives during the visit, Mayor Faku expressed deep sadness over the incident and stressed the need for heightened community awareness and vigilance to prevent similar tragedies in future.

The Executive Mayor said the municipality is mourning alongside the affected families and extended wishes for a full and speedy recovery to children who remain hospitalised. She described the deaths as heartbreaking and said the loss of such young lives was devastating for both the families and the broader community.

Mayor Faku highlighted the importance of ongoing inspections by municipal officials, noting that routine checks are conducted across all regions within Buffalo City.

She said it was deeply unfortunate that the municipality finds itself dealing with another incident of this nature and called for intensified inspections of spaza shops, involving all relevant stakeholders.

She further noted the social impact of the tragedy, pointing out that the children’s mothers are young and unemployed, making the loss even more painful for the families involved. She emphasised that even a single death is one too many and said such incidents should never be allowed to happen again.

The Executive Mayor also pledged that the municipality will assist the affected families with the burial arrangements of the two children. In addition, she said BCMM will continue to work closely with relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident are thoroughly investigated.

Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality has urged community members to remain alert and to immediately report any suspicious substances, food items or activities that could pose a danger to children and residents.

Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the outcome of the investigation.