In the community of Klarnet, Mpumalanga, two people died and eight others were hospitalised after allegedly consuming fizzy drinks, snacks, and biscuits from a spaza shop owned by a foreign national.The deceased were Musawenkosi Nkosi, 43, and his four-year-old nephew Lethokuhle Sithole.The incident occurred after the community, angered by the alleged exploitation of foreign nationals, stormed the shop and forced the owner to leave.

Residents reported that the foreign national gave Nkosi and others food before departing, leading to symptoms like vomiting, white foam from mouths, and severe stomach pain.Lethokuhle’s mother confirmed her son died at the clinic, while Nkosi’s brother also succumbed.The Mpumalanga Department of Health confirmed the deaths and treated eight others, with a multidisciplinary team investigating the cause.Police confirmed the poisoning deaths but noted the investigation is ongoing.

The incident highlights tensions between communities and foreign-owned businesses, with additional violence reported in Siyanqoba involving a shooting during looting.