P'nP: 'Promising' leads

2003-07-06 15:30

Johannesburg - The offer of a R5m reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the poison-wielding extortionist terrorising Pick 'n Pay has resulted in an encouraging response, the police and the supermarket group said on Sunday.

They said in a joint statement that calls to a Pick 'n Pay hotline had been coming in steadily since Saturday night, and "every single lead" was being followed up.

The reward was announced on Saturday after confirmation that traces of cyanide had been found in two more products, one bought in Johannesburg involving Fritos barbecue chips, and one in Durban involving No Name Brand Sardines.

"We are following up every single lead that is coming in to us, no matter where it comes from or what it is. Some of them are very promising," Pick 'n Pay chief executive Sean Summers said on Sunday.

He again appealed to anyone with information to make contact and help the police put a stop to the poisonings.

"We are in close contact with the three families, who have been incredibly supportive.

"We would also like to thank everybody who has phoned, written, e-mailed or approached us with support and encouragement. It really is deeply appreciated," Summers said.

Cyanide

Tests results available on Saturday showed that the chips and sardines the child and woman had consumed contained "very low" traces of cyanide.

The woman who consumed the sardines last month, who asked police that she not be named, had shown signs of food poisoning but she is in good health.

Results of blood tests taken during her medical treatment will be available on Monday.

A strip of four packets of Fritos barbecue-flavoured chips was bought on Thursday last week.

It was marked with blue koki pen, but the writing had "unfortunately, by and large, been rubbed off".

The nine-year-old girl who ate one of the packets became ill, and after her mother reported this to Pick 'n Pay, the remainder of the chips on the strip were sent for testing. The child was medically examined.

The child is now in good health, according to the statement.

Products withdrawn

Pick 'n Pay has withdrawn all Simba Fritos Barbecue 4-pack strips, all No Name Brand Sardines (120g), all Lucky Star Pilchards in Chilli (155g) and all Pick 'n Pay Choice Garlic Flakes Bottle (100ml), nationally as an extra precaution.

Customers were asked to return them anywhere in South Africa to Pick 'n Pay store for a full refund.

Members of the public who wish to provide information about the extortionist can telephone the Pick 'n Pay Hotline on 011-455-3843 or CrimeStop on 0860-010-111.

Concerned shoppers who had a query about goods purchased from the supermarket group, can call Pick 'n Pay's customer care line 24 hours a day, and seven days a week on 0800-112-288.

- SAPA