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A series of incidents involving kids falling ill or dying after allegedly consuming snacks from spaza shops shook the nation. Photo by Nhlanhla Khomola (Photo only used for illustration purposes)
AS the year draws to a close, we reflect on the 2024 stories that captured Mzansi’s attention.
Some of these stories made headlines internationally.
These stories include politics, entertainment, hard news, and crime, with each dominating various social media platforms.
Numerous tragedies shook the nation, particularly involving kids who fell ill or died after allegedly consuming snacks from spaza shops, leaving parents, pupils, teachers, and families in distress.
Notably, over 600 kids have fallen ill since September, with more than 20 fatalities attributed to food-related causes.
In Naledi, Soweto, six kids died in October after eating toxic snacks.
Organophosphate was identified as the cause, according to Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, following a thorough investigation by 80 environmental health practitioners and other officials.
In another incident, four kids, including two siblings, died from suspected food poisoning after being rushed to medical facilities.
Gauteng Department of Health spokesman Motalatale Modiba said that a four-year-old boy was declared dead on arrival at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Tshwane.
His brother found unresponsive and foaming at the mouth also died.
Similarly, Xaba siblings Hope (9) and Owami (6) died in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni, after consuming snacks from a spaza shop in November.
In July, a tragic accident occurred when a scholar transport vehicle overturned and caught fire after being hit by a bakkie.
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Twelve Gauteng pupils died, along with the driver. Eleven were from Rocklands Primary School and one from Laerskool Blyvooruitsig.
The accident took place on the N12 near Elands Road, Kokosi-Wedela area, Merafong, as the kids were on their way to school.
Seven others were hospitalised.
Prophet Paseka ‘Mboro’ Motsoeneng and his bodyguard, Vincent Baloyi, appearing in court. Photo by Happy Mnguni
August saw the arrest of Prophet Paseka “Mboro” Motsoeneng, his bodyguard Clement Baloyi, and a relative after a viral video showed Mboro threatening school teachers with pangas at Matsediso Primary School in Katlehong, Ekurhuleni.
They faced 12 charges, including kidnapping, possession of dangerous weapons, and firearm discharge.
Mboro was released on R3 000 bail after 40 days in prison, while his co-accused were released on warnings.
In September, a mass shooting in Lusikisiki, Eastern Cape, left 18 people dead.
Thirteen people, including 12 women and a man, were killed in one house, while four others were killed in another.
One of the houses where people were killed in the Lusikisiki mass shooting.
This happened when a traditional mourning ceremony was underway for a mother and daughter murdered a year prior.
Seven people, including alleged mastermind Mzukisi Ndamase, were arrested.
Mzukisi is already serving a life sentence and 15 years for earlier crimes.
In the entertainment scene, Mzansi singer Tyla Seethal made history by winning the inaugural Best African Music Performance category at the 2024 Grammys in February for her hit, Water.
Safa president Danny Jordaan and co-accused were arrested in November for alleged fraud and theft of R1,3 million. The arrests followed an intensive investigation led by the Hawks, and each suspect was granted R20 000 bail after appearing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.
In sports, the Springboks were crowned the 2024 Rugby Championship winners for the first time since 2019, defeating Argentina 48-7.
This victory marked a significant achievement as they became the first team, other than New Zealand, to win a complete tournament since Argentina joined the then-Tri Nations in 2012.
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