Xen0phobia: 43-year-old Man, Nephew D!e After Eating Biscuits Allegedly Taken From Looted Shop In South Africa

Xenophobia: 43-year-old Man, Nephew Die After Eating Biscuits Allegedly Taken From Looted Shop In South Africa

The South African Police Service (SAPS) in Witbank, Mpumalanga, opened two inquest dockets following the deaths of a 43-year-old landlord and his 4-year-old nephew who consumed biscuits under tense circumstances surrounding a foreign-owned spaza shop.

Amid brewing xenophobic tensions and the looting of foreign-owned businesses in Klarinet, Witbank, a foreign national shop owner arranged to move his inventory into his landlord’s main house for safekeeping.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, the 43-year-old landlord accessed the stored stock, took biscuits (with some reports mentioning bread or cakes), and shared them with his 4-year-old nephew.

Reports have it that within minutes of eating the items, both individuals suffered acute symptoms including dizziness, vomiting, and severe stomach pain.

Emergency services rushed them to a nearby medical facility, where both were tragically certified dead on arrival.

The South African Police Service is waiting on post-mortem examinations and forensic testing to determine the precise cause of death and verify if the food items were contaminated or deliberately poisoned.

The foreign shop owner reportedly went into hiding following community outrage.

Law enforcement has reiterating safety warnings, urging community members to refrain from consuming or handling food goods obtained during unrest or unregulated looting due to severe health and safety risks.