ActionSA in the Free State has made a scathing allegation against the provincial government over the deaths of two girls who died at Vredefort in the Free State.

The two girls, aged three and four, made headlines when they died outside a multipurpose centre in Mokwallo after allegedly consuming items from a local foreign-owned shop. 

ActionSA Provincial Chairperson, Patricia Kopane, said their deaths are entirely the Free State Government, SAPS and the Department of Health's responsibility. She said the provincial government didn’t pay attention to loud public outcries about counterfeit products sold in informal businesses, including food and medicine.

Free State ActionSA Chairperson, Patricia Kopane,outside Bloemfontein Magistrates Court, Photo; Lucky Nkuyane

“In Ngwathe Municipality, for example, by-laws would have ensured that public health inspectors who are front-line workers, monitor businesses and public facilities to ensure local and state health regulations are adhered to.

“Similarly, police should have also been conducting spot checks in townships to ensure no counterfeit products are being sold. However, they have also failed to protect residents,” she slammed.

Kopane called for urgent intervention from the national government and also called for drastic action to be taken against those found to have broken the law.

Meanwhile, the police have released the identity of the deceased.

“We can now confirm that the families of the two girls who died in Vredefort were notified of their deaths. They were positively identified as Palesa Kutoane (4) and Bohlale Kutoane (3),” said Free State police spokesperson, Loraine Earle.

She said police have gathered all the evidence, and it has been taken to be processed, while an inquest into the investigation continues.

Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, said expired foods and counterfeit goods are costing the country revenue and livelihoods.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi