A mother breaks down loses hope for her son fighting for his life after eating toxic snacks

It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, and unfortunately, for a mother in South Africa, it has become a reality. The heart-wrenching story revolves around 7-year-old Katlego Oliphant, who is currently fighting for his life in the ICU after allegedly consuming toxic chips bought from a local spaza shop. What’s even more devastating is that Katlego is the only survivor among his group of five friends, who all lost their lives tragically just hours after eating the same snack.

Lydia, Katlego’s mother, spoke to ZiMoja about her agonizing experience. Her words are filled with sorrow as she revealed, “He is fighting and in ICU—he is on and off.” The doctors have told her the poison is being expelled from Katlego’s body, but they can’t provide any substantial assurance about his recovery. “They told me to pray,” she said, unable to hold back her tears.

The incident unfolded on a typical Sunday afternoon when Katlego and his friends decided to venture out to play. Isago Mabote, one of the boys who tragically passed away, returned home in a frantic state, claiming he felt like he was dying. His grandmother, Agnes, recalled how he kicked the door and rushed to her, shaking and scared. This panic was echoed by the other families, as the horrific aftermath of consuming those toxic chips began to unfold.

Isago’s story was not an isolated one. Other children, including Njabulo, Zinhle, Karabo, and Monica, began to exhibit alarming symptoms shortly after their playdate. Njabulo, in particular, was initially reluctant to admit that he had eaten the chips, likely out of fear of getting in trouble. His grandmother, Tryphina, painted a grim picture of the scene as she described how the children began shaking, vomiting, and ultimately succumbing to the poison.

In a matter of hours, joy turned to tragedy as these young lives were snuffed out in an instant, leaving a community grappling with unimaginable loss. Each family now faces a reality where children’s laughter is replaced with heartache and confusion, left to wonder how something so innocent—a simple snack—could lead to such catastrophic consequences.

As word of this tragedy spreads, it raises alarming questions about the safety of food sold in local shops like spaza stores. It’s a reminder of the heartbreaking realities that some communities face, battling issues of food safety and access to proper nutrition.

For Lydia, witnessing her child’s struggle has become a fight for hope amidst despair. Each moment that Katlego remains in the hospital is a bitter reminder of his friends who didn’t make it. As she holds onto the promise of a miracle for her son, our thoughts and prayers go out to her and all the families affected by this horrific incident.

Tragedies like this remind us of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in our communities. Let’s hope this incident prompts greater awareness and action regarding food safety, so no other parent has to endure such a heart-wrenching situation.