A three-year-old toddler died and another child is critically ill after allegedly eating snacks from a local tuckshop in eMbalenhle.

A family member allegedly bought the salty snacks at a tuckshop in Ext 22 on May 14.

Residents went to the shop on May 15 to demand its closure.

They met with the eMbalenhle Police management today (May 16). Afterwards, Ward 9 Cllr Phillemon Vilakazi told Ridge Times the community wants the police to intervene.

According to the community members, a critically ill child is fighting for his life in hospital.

The family of the children refrained from comment at this time and the store owner was not available for comment.