FOUR children have been reported to be in a serious condition while six are stable after inhaling pepper spray this morning, which led to them experiencing difficulty in breathing.

Hillcrest SAPS communications officer, Capt Linzi Smith said the incident happened at Khanyakhwezi Primary School in KwaNqetho, just outside Hillcrest.

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According to KwaZulu-Natal emergency services spokesman Robert McKenzie, paramedics responded and the primary school children aged between 1o and 12 received treatment at the school and at a nearby clinic.

“Ten learners were hospitalised,” said McKenzie.

McKenzie added that he could not speculate how the children were exposed to the pepper spray.

Capt Smith said police responded to the incident and will send a statement as soon as officers have gathered all the information.

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