Police Minister’s Statement on Child Deaths Linked to Spaza‑Shop Food
No Arrests or Charges So Far
Acting Police Minister Firoz Cachalia told Parliament that, up to now, no one has been arrested, charged, or prosecuted in connection with the deaths of children who are believed to have fallen ill after eating food bought from spaza shops.
Inquest Dockets Are Still Open
He explained that every case where a child’s death is suspected to be caused by unsafe food triggers an inquest docket under the Inquests Act. Between April 2025 and December 2025 a number of these dockets were opened and they remain under investigation by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Purpose of the Inquest
The inquest has two main goals:
- Find out exactly how the child died.
- Decide whether any person can be held criminally responsible for the death.
Cachalia stressed that criminal charges can only be considered after the inquest court decides if someone can be blamed. Until that decision is made, the police cannot move forward with arrests or prosecutions.
Why This Issue Came Up
A Spike in Food‑Borne Illnesses
Two years ago there was a wave of reports about children getting sick—or worse—after eating snacks from food bought at spaza shops, many of which are run by foreign nationals. In September 2024 President Cyril Ramaphosa said the country had seen 890 reported cases of food‑borne illness across all provinces. Gauteng and KwaZulu‑Natal were hit hardest, while Limpopo, the Free State and Mpumalanga recorded dozens of cases. Tragically, at least 22 children lost their lives because of these illnesses.
Government’s Response
Following the deaths, the government launched a campaign to:
- Register every spaza shop and other food‑handling premises with local municipalities.
- Close shops that fail health inspections until they meet safety standards.
Multidisciplinary inspection teams visited shops, factories, distributors and retailers to check compliance. At the same time, the SAPS and other law‑enforcement agencies were tasked with investigating, arresting, and prosecuting anyone found to have broken the law.
What Happens Next?
Investigations Continue
Cachalia confirmed that the SAPS is still looking into every reported case. If investigators uncover evidence that a crime was committed, they will take the appropriate legal steps. However, he reminded the public that details about ongoing investigations can only be shared when doing so won’t jeopardize the case or court proceedings.
Who Decides If a Shop Stays Open?
The minister clarified that closing or reopening a spaza shop is not the police’s job. That responsibility lies with the Department of Health and municipal authorities, which enforce health‑and‑safety regulations. The SAPS supports these efforts by joining monthly National Core Command Group meetings, where departments coordinate actions to prevent future food‑borne illnesses.
Equal Treatment Under the Law
Cachalia ended with a clear reminder: everyone, no matter their nationality, must follow South African law. If enough evidence shows criminal conduct, the person will face prosecution.
Conclusion
While the tragic deaths of children linked to unsafe spaza‑shop food have sparked urgent action, the legal process is still unfolding. Police investigations are active, but no arrests or charges have been made yet because the inquest courts must first determine cause of death and possible liability. Health officials continue to inspect and regulate shops, and the SAPS remains ready to act should evidence of wrongdoing emerge. For now, the focus stays on protecting public health and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable when the facts are clear.
