Kids' send-off fraught

SUSPECTED FOOD POISONING: FAMILIES OF 5 CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY

- Thando Nondywana

You are beautiful and limitless. Now stretch your wings and fly. You are loved by so many, and it will never be goodbye. Let your soul find peace," reads a letter to Karabo Rampou, nine, one of the five children who died of suspected food poisoning in Naledi, Soweto, on Sunday.

Shattered school friends broke down in tears and sobbed as they paid tribute to the five children at the memorial service yesterday.

The victims, aged between six and 10, died after allegedly consuming snacks from a foreigner-owned spaza shop.

A sixth child remains in intensive care.

Emotions ran high during the joint memorial service and loud cries echoed through the packed hall as inconsolable families mourned their loss.

Kgopotso Khantsi, the aunt of one of the victims, Monica Sethakge, nine, took to the stage to lead a traditional hymn she said was Monica's favourite.