The Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) has slammed fake messages circulating on social media, claiming that five children died after eating contaminated two-minute noodles which had been tampered with by foreign nationals, described as illegal immigrants.
“The commission reminds the public that official sources, being the department of health and South African Police Services, are still investigating the possible contamination.
“At this stage there is no evidence to suggest any possible tampering or any link with foreign owned businesses,” the SAHRC said.
“The commission notes that suggestions that the tragic deaths of five children in two different provinces are the result of revenge by foreign nationals, are irresponsible and have no basis in fact.
“Should you receive messages of this nature, please do not forward them and advise the sender of the message that this is an unproven allegation and fake news,” it added.
Earlier this month, 9-year-old Thato and Keamogetswe Makofane, 13, were declared dead at a clinic after they had allegedly eaten two-minute noodles before school.
Mpumalanga police spokesperson Constable Busisiwe Mthetewa said there was no evidence yet to suggest the noodles caused their deaths, reports IOL.
Mthetewa said police could not immediately link the siblings’ deaths to the case of three Eastern Cape children who died after eating noodles.
The department of health has initiated an urgent investigation but said it needed more information.