Diepkloof family lays son (5) to rest after dying of suspected food poisoning

A tragedy has shaken an aggrieved Diepkloof family and the community, leaving them devastated after Siyabonga Mnisi (five), a Grade R learner at Dumezweni Primary School from Zone 3, died.

The death is suspected to be from food poisoning after eating biscuits and chips on November 20.

Three classmates and friends are still fighting for their lives at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

ALSO READ: Gauteng Education regrets death of Siyabonga Mnisi from suspected food poisoning

According to the mother, her child showed symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting shortly after eating the snacks.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, the child was declared dead 30 minutes after arrival.

This death marks the second time the mother has lost a child to suspected food poisoning, having lost an infant nine months prior.

During the service, a family member read a letter from the mother in which she said her last goodbyes to her son.

“Never was I prepared for this loss. Not with you, Siya. Siobong, with you, I have lost an incredible soul – a rare gem.

“I do not see my life being the same without you. Sia, I have no words to express how I feel right now. I am a shout of a mind for myself.”

ANC Clr Brenda Dammie from Ward 29 said it cannot be that the community loses children like this.

She said this was an eye-opener for parents to know the whereabouts of their children and what they are eating.

“If a child asks for R1, obviously they want to buy something. As parents, when you give your child money, ask what and where they will spend it. We are crying because of the poisonous food our children eat.”

City of Johannesburg Speaker of council Clr Nobuhle Mthembu and Dammie visited the family on November 22 to offer condolences and support.-

“The mother and father are distraught and need counselling and intervention. We will provide social workers to help the family through this difficult time,” said Mthembu.

ALSO READ: Food Poisoning: Gauteng MEC offers condolences to family

The family held the funeral on November 24, citing concerns about the child’s body deteriorating because of the suspected poisoning.

The death has sparked calls for increased awareness and action to prevent food poisoning.

“We must be proactive and stop being reactive. This is not right, and we cannot keep speaking about the same thing every month or year.”

Mnisi was laid to rest at the Diepkloof Cemetery on November 24.