Dr EG Jansen matric learner dies of suspected food poisoning
The family of the teenager suffered a double blow as they lost another family member on the day.
A Boksburg North mother is reeling in shock from the sudden death of her 18-year-old son, Boitumelo Phete, a Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen matric learner, allegedly as a result of food poisoning.
Esmerelda Brink said she believes the source of the poisoning was a leftover scone mixture that contained eggs bought from a spaza shop near their home.
“Boitumelo bought eggs at a spaza shop near our complex on November 30. They baked, which we all enjoyed that day.
“The next morning, he said that he had developed an upset stomach and had been vomiting from around 03:00. We treated him with home remedies, but later, because he wouldn’t eat, we decided to take him to Tambo Memorial Hospital,” said Esmerelda.
The bereaved mother said her son developed severe diarrhoea and was admitted to the hospital.
“The doctors did everything they could to help him, but because it was too severe his organs began to fail, and his heart stopped twice. He also suffered brain damage.”
His brother later told the family that Boitumelo had shown him one of the eggs they’d bought and it had a small embryo of a chicken inside.
“Boitumelo apparently threw the embryo away and continued with the mixture. After they finished baking the scones, he, his sister and his brother ate the remaining mixture.
“We believe the mixture caused the food poisoning because Boitumelo and his siblings felt sick, but my husband and I ate the scones and weren’t sick.”
Brink said the matter was reported to the police. However, the police could not confirm whether the matter is being investigated.
Boksburg Advertiser approached Tambo Memorial Hospital for comment, but none was received by the time of publication.
Double tragedy
Esmerelda not only lost her son on December 2, but also her 38-year-old niece, Victoria Olivia Phillips, who was sick and died at home.
She said it is a big blow, as the two were some of the most beloved members of the family.
“Victoria lived in a small town in the Northern Cape called Griekwastad. She was loved by her friends for being very spontaneous. She loved reading and was passionate about politics, being a member of the ANC.”
Sunshine child
Esmerelda described Boitumelo as their “sunshine child”.
“He was the most humble person with the personality of a comedian.”
Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen acting principal Freek Erasmus said the tragedy came as a major shock to the school.
“We are devastated,” said Erasmus, describing Boitumelo as a quiet, hardworking learner.
“We believe he had a bright future ahead of him and we extend our sincere condolences to the family.”
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