A distressing incident unfolded yesterday when 89 female learners from various schools in Boipatong, near Vanderbijlpark in Gauteng, were taken to hospital due to a suspected case of mass food poisoning.

According to an official statement and anonymous sources, the students fell ill after consuming snacks, allegedly looted from a local spaza shop.

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson, Steve Mabona, confirmed the incident. “The GDE can confirm that yesterday about 47 learners from Lebohang Primary School and Dr Nhlapo Primary School in Sebokeng, were rushed to a local medical facility after falling sick at school in the morning.

“According to information at our disposal, the affected learners started complaining after eating snacks allegedly looted from a spaza shop in the area. The said learners experienced vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and shortness of breath,” he says.

Mabona adds: “Fortunately, 37 of the affected students were discharged after receiving medical attention, but 10 are still hospitalised and under observation. Medical tests will be conducted to investigate the source and cause of the illness. Psychosocial support officials will also be dispatched to both schools to provide necessary support to the affected students. The education department wishes all the learners a speedy recovery.”

The alarming chain of events began at Lebohang Secondary School, as recounted by an anonymous source.

At approximately 11:40, Principal Patrick Kgalapa received a distress call from concerned teachers during a break.

The teachers reported that four children were experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and stomach pains.

Some of the victims disclosed that they had purchased food items from school hawkers located within the school premises.

The items consumed included mixed snacks, biscuits, and ice lollies. This revelation prompted immediate action from the school authorities.

Kgalapa rushed to the scene and found the affected children awaiting the arrival of an ambulance,.

The urgency of the situation prompted Kgalapa to personally transport the distressed learners to Boipatong Clinic in his vehicle, with the assistance of other school teachers.

“Upon arrival at the clinic, an ambulance was also on hand to provide further assistance in treating the affected children,” says the source at the school.

The medical team at the clinic swiftly sprung into action to assess and treat the young patients, who were soon joined by dozens of others displaying similar symptoms.

Among the 89 learners affected, 86 are from Lebohang Secondary School, one from Makapane Primary School, and two from Dr Nhlapo Primary School – all experiencing the same distressing conditions.

Sedibeng Health spokesperson Porcia Gibson confirmed the incident. “A total of 89 children received immediate medical attention for symptoms that included vomiting and stomach pains. Fortunately, all the children are now in stable condition and are expected to recover fully. After being received by the clinic, they were transported to Sebokeng and Kopanong hospitals.”