Six children aged between six and 15 were rushed to hospitals in Cape Town after experiencing severe symptoms such as vomiting, difficulty breathing, and headaches following the consumption of a flavoured cooldrink purchased from a spaza shop in Ottery.The incident occurred when the children drank from a shared container of cooldrink during supper.

Parents Sakeena Adam and her husband sent their children to buy drinks before dinner, but the children returned with a separate cooldrink for themselves.Within an hour, multiple children collapsed, with some turning blue and exhibiting signs of distress.Neighbours assisted the family in evacuating the children, while police launched an investigation into the incident.The cooldrink was sent to a forensic lab for testing, and hospitals are still providing updates on the children's conditions.The spaza shop manager denied any wrongdoing, stating they sourced supplies from a cash-and-carry store.This incident highlights concerns about food safety in informal retail settings and the potential risks of contaminated beverages.