Two siblings who tragically died after consuming allegedly poisoned snacks were laid to rest in Mokwall in Vredefort, Free State on Saturday, 21 October.
The siblings had bought the snacks from a local spaza shop on Tuesday, 17 October.
The heartbreaking funeral service of Palesa (4) and her younger sister Bohlale Kutwane (3) was held at a fully packed Mokwallo Multipurpose Centre.
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The father of the children, Search Lefutso told the mourners that the tragedy broke his heart.
"I'm hurt and devastated. It's painful to lose two children in such a shocking manner. We are traumatised as a family. I was expecting a lot from them," he said.
Free State MEC for Department of Economic, Small Business Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Thabo Moeko, said he recently received a high volume of complaints. These were allegations from the public with regards to the sale of expired and fake foods, which are harmful to their health.
"While the authenticity of videos and pictures cannot be verified, we have to act swiftly on allegations of illicit trade of fake goods sold to the public. My Department Inspection Directorate will continue to work with law enforcement agencies in operations across the province to prevent the sale of illicit goods and food products," he said.
Moeko indicated that it had been revealed during operations that products are being manufactured in unhygienic factories with fake labels resembling those from established brands being used on them.
He said illicit trade poses a danger to people's lives, and it deprives the government of crucial revenue that could have been invested in public services.
"We have engaged with the Legislature regarding the urgent finalisation of the Integrated Local Economic Development and Transformation. Government seeks to provide for the promotion and development of the economy and to create a conducive environment for the attainment of that purpose by regulating foreign ownership of certain business categories through prescribed quartos.
"Regulating the licensing business, providing for exclusive ownership and operation of certain specified business categories for citizens. Providing mandatory and exclusive sourcing and procurement by the state organs of locally produced commodities," he concluded.
Moeko encouraged residents to report any illegal and illicit trade immediately to their nearest police station.
