News. Shop owner Phillip Botha with a bottle of "Satans Spit", hot chilli spray from The Spice Wagon at Coventry Village in Morley.
UPDATE: A disturbing incident involving a highly potent chilli spray known as Satans Spit has left 11 people hospitalized after it was unleashed in a Bunnings store in Northam, Australia, on Anzac Day last year. In a swift legal response, Paul Hart, 52, has been sentenced to 16 months in prison for his reckless actions.
The 30ml bottle of Satans Spit, which boasts a staggering 1.8 million Scoville units, is available for purchase online and at retailers across the country. Despite its dangerous potential, it has gained popularity among chefs, particularly for spicy food challenges.
Phillip Botha, owner of the Spice Wagon & Latino Grocer in Morley’s Coventry Village shopping centre, described the product as “popular” among restaurants. He noted, “It’s not the top seller in the shop, but it’s used for spicy chicken-wing challenges.” Botha emphasizes that it should be handled with extreme caution, stating, “It’s one of those products that I keep behind a locked cabinet.”
On April 25, 2022, Hart purchased Satans Spit online under the pretense of using it on chicken wings. However, he unleashed the fiery concoction inside the crowded hardware store, causing panic and distress when customers experienced severe respiratory issues. Witnesses reported feeling as if they could not breathe, with some fearing for their lives.
In court, Judge Felicity Zempilas condemned Hart’s actions, stating, “You deliberately brought a noxious and dangerous product to a public place.” Security footage revealed Hart glancing at the bottle multiple times before spraying it, indicating premeditation. His defense, claiming he intended to use a harmless prank spray instead, was dismissed by the judge.
Botha shared his sympathy for the victims, explaining how the spray can cause immediate pain and discomfort. “It stings tremendously, straight away. You get nauseous, you battle to breathe, and your eyes well up,” he stated. He further explained that chefs often use the spray to maintain the heat of their dishes, but it poses serious risks if misused.
The incident has sparked widespread media coverage and reignited discussions on the safety of such products. As authorities continue to investigate the implications of this event, the availability of Satans Spit raises questions about consumer safety and responsible usage.
Botha urges caution among potential buyers: “It’s not a product you want to prank with.” As the case gains traction in public discourse, many are left wondering: what measures will be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future?
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
