Serious concerns have emerged following reports that several children fell ill after eating food they allegedly purchased at a school in Lothair.

A community member has alleged that two of the affected children have since died, but this has not yet been officially confirmed.

Rhoda Kirsten, a local resident, told Highvelder that her domestic worker’s two children were admitted to Ermelo Provincial Hospital on Friday and were later transferred to a hospital in Witbank.

“She came to me and said a child had died at the school. Later that day, May 16, she went to the hospital because many children, including her own children, had been admitted,” Kirsten said.

That evening, she reportedly phoned Kirsten to say ambulances were transferring the children to Witbank.

According to Kirsten, the woman later informed her that both her children had died, though this has not yet been confirmed by health authorities or the family directly, as attempts to speak to the mother have been unsuccessful.

The mother, identified only as Johanna, was understandingly too distraught to speak to Highvelder this morning, May 19.

The number of children affected or deceased, and the cause of the reported deaths have not been verified.

The children reportedly attend the school in Lothair and travel daily by bus from the Boxer Centre in Ermelo.

At this stage, the school’s has not been identified until more information has been verified.

The Mpumalanga Department of Education have not yet issued statements or responded to queries at the time of publication.

Highvelder has contacted the Lothair police to confirm whether a case has been opened, as was reported to the publication. The newspaper is currently awaiting a response.

Additionally, the publication reached out to another family member of Johanna, who indicated he would be available to speak with the newspaper at 14:00 as he was at work.

This is a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.