Chinese rat poison (Aldikarb) has been an essential agricultural product for many years in South Africa. Unbeknownst to many, however, the poison is just as potent to humans and dogs. Since 1994, hundreds of cases of humans being admitted to hospitals with poisoning symptoms have been recorded. Furthermore, HIV victims are using the poison to commit suicide soon after their diagnosis. This investigation sheds light on the fact that Chinese rat poison is now readily available from street vendors throughout South Africa. Alarmingly, the customers see far more sinister applications for the product than ridding themselves of a rat problem.

Produced by SABC Special Assignment