The Free State MEC for Community Safety, Roads, and Transport has called for calm following the death of two children who allegedly consumed items bought from one foreign-owned local shop in Vredefort.

The girls aged three and four were declared dead by paramedics outside the multipurpose centre on Mokwallo. Residents have since been angered by their deaths. During her visit to the family of the deceased, MEC MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae called on the family, councillors, and residents of Mokwallo to allow law enforcement agencies to conclude the investigation to determine the cause of death and avoid speculations which may lead to unnecessary turmoil and wrong conclusions.

It's understood that owners of the foreign-owned shops in the area have been removing stock from their stores. Letsoha-Mathae emphasised that expired foods and counterfeit goods are costing the country revenue and livelihoods. She said this is the problem the country is faced with. 

Meanwhile, Free State Police spokesperson Loraine Earle, promised residents that law enforcement agencies would take full action against the person who might be found responsible for their death.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi