Four learners have died from suspected food poisoning, one of them had bought snacks from a local spaza shop.
The learners died on Sunday, 6 October.
GAUTENG LEARNERS DIE FROM SUSPECTED FOOD POISONING
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said three learners are from Karabo Primary School while the fourth learner is from Khauhelo also in Soweto.
Mabona said a Grade one boy (seven), a Grade two girl (eight), and a Grade three boy (nine) from
Karabo Primary School sadly passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming food suspected to have contained poison.
Additionally, a Grade one boy learner from the school remains in ICU at a local medical facility after also having consumed the food.
In a separate incident, an eight-year-old Grade two boy from Khauhelo Primary School also passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Naledi.
Mabona said the Gauteng Department of Education, together with the affected schools, has activated the necessary support structures to provide psycho-social counselling to affected learners, educators, and family members.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has also extended condolences to the families, friends, and school communities affected by the tragic incidents.
“The safety and well-being of our learners remain our top priority, and we urge parents, guardians, and
communities to exercise caution regarding the food consumed by children,” Chiloane said.
DO YOU THINK GOVERNMENT, SCHOOLS AND PARENTS ARE DOING ENOUGH TO PROTECT LEARNERS FROM CONSUMING POSSIBLY POISONOUS FOOD ITEMS?
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