Johannesburg — The Gauteng Education Department (GED) confirmed one pupil’s death and hospitalization of six others after consuming food from a local spaza shop.
The learners, all grade 3 students from Onkgopotse Tiro Primary School in Roodepoort, were affected.
ENCA reported that GED spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that they received news of the learners being transported to a clinic and a local hospital.
“We can confirm that there were about seven learners from one school in Tshepisong who were rushed to a clinic and a local hospital. Five were later transferred to a regional hospital. Unfortunately, one learner has passed away,” he said.
MEDIA STATEMENT @EducationGP1 is saddened to confirm that today, on Friday, 20 October 2023, a Grade 3 boy learner from Onkgopotse Tiro Primary School in Tshepisong, Roodepoort passed away at a local clinic due to alleged food poisoning. pic.twitter.com/yWHZFePopc
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) October 20, 2023
According to a GED statement, two grade 3 boys started experiencing stomach cramps and were promptly taken to the clinic. It is alleged that the boys had purchased a pack of biscuits from a local spaza shop in the area.
The GED is currently investigating the situation and has urged parents, communities, and School Governing Bodies (SGBs) to monitor the food and drinks available to learners sold at shops in and around schools.
Follow African Insider on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Picture: Pixabay
For more African news, visit Africaninsider.com
Compiled by Matthew Petersen
