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The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) addressed social media reports suggesting foreign nationals are somehow to blame for the recent “noodle deaths”.
At least two separate incidents were reported – in Limpopo and Eastern Cape – and tragically claimed the lives of five children.
Detectives in Motherwell, Eastern Cape, opened an inquest after the deaths of the children – an 11-year-old girl, a seven-year-old girl and a four-month-old baby boy.
The incident happened on a trip with family members to New Brighton. After consuming a packet of noodles.
While there, they consumed a packet of noodles, the children complained about stomach cramps and nausea. They passed away en route to the clinic
A week later, two children from Mpumalanga – a 9-year-old girl and her 13-year-old brother – died within an hour of each other after eating the noodles.
Contamination investigation ongoing
However, posts on social media suggest the deaths of five children after they ate instant noodles are as a result of ‘tampering’ on the part of foreign nationals.
The SAHRC reminds the public investigations are still ongoing, and the only official contacts for the investigation would be the Department of Health and the South African Police Services.
“At this stage, there is no evidence to suggest any possible tampering or any link with foreign-owned businesses”, SAHRC said.
Foreign nationals aren’t to blame
The commission said if a cause of concern arises during the noodle contamination investigation, “authorities will communicate this”.
Furthermore, the commissions warn against “casting any aspersions of maliciousness” which have “no basis in fact”. The SAHRC said:
“Suggestions that the tragic deaths […] in two different provinces are the result of revenge by foreign nationals are irresponsible and have no basis in fact.”
Possible noodle recall
Health authorities will confirm the cause of the deaths, and investigators will trace the source of any contamination, should any contamination be found.
Parties involved with the contamination investigation are considering a “possible recall of the products concern” if evidence arises to support the fack.
However, in the meantime, if the SAHRC calls on South Africans to refrain from forwarding misinformation and “advise the sender [the] message is an unproven allegation”.
“The commission will continue to monitor the media and engage with the authorities in regard to ensuring that factual information is made available to the public”.
Don’t spread fake news
Until such time, the SAHRC called on South Africans to “remain vigilant against the irresponsible spread of any messages which attempt to link the deaths to any alleged revenge plot”.
Keep in mind the spread of fake news is harmful and any person found to spreading misinformation could be brought to justice.
Earlier this year, when the spread of Covid-19 misinformation peaked in South Africa, Junior Associate at Dingley Marshall, Arinda Truter, explained:
“In terms of Regulation 11(5), any person who publishes any statement through any medium, including social media, with the intention to deceive any other person […] commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine or imprisonment”.