In a deeply saddening incident, a grade 1 pupil from Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane, Brakpan, passed away on Tuesday, reportedly after eating biscuits purchased from a nearby spaza shop.
The Gauteng Department of Education released a statement confirming that the learner had died while on school premises.
According to Steve Mabona, the spokesperson for the department, the learner started experiencing health complications shortly before 11am. Within a few minutes, the child began vomiting. The school immediately contacted emergency services and notified the learner’s parents.
“It is alleged that the learner began experiencing health complications in class just before break at 11am and started vomiting a few minutes later. The parents were contacted while emergency services were also alerted to provide necessary medical assistance,” department spokesperson Steve Mabona explained.
Tragically, when paramedics arrived at the school, they pronounced the learner deceased. The parents later confirmed that the child had consumed biscuits purchased from a spaza shop owned by a foreigner.
“Unfortunately the learner was certified dead by paramedics upon arrival. According to information at our disposal, the parents confirmed that the child had eaten biscuits bought from a local spaza shop owned by foreign nationals,” the statement reads.
Police are currently investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, counsellors will be deployed on Wednesday to support both teachers and students. The Gauteng education MEC urged parents to remain vigilant about the food items their children consume.
“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident. We plead with parents to be vigilant concerning the edible goods that their children consume. We call upon law enforcement agencies and municipalities to be more stringent on compliance matters related to spaza shop products,” said Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane.
“We extend our sincerest condolences to the family and the school community at large.”