Dr EG Jansen matric learner dies of suspected food poisoning

A Boksburg North mother is in shock after the sudden death of her 18-year-old son, Boitumelo Phete, a matric learner at Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, allegedly due to food poisoning.

Boksburg Advertiser reports Esmerelda Brink believes the poisoning source was leftover scone mixture made with eggs purchased from a spaza shop near their home. Her son passed away on Monday.

“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,” she said.

She explained that Boitumelo developed severe diarrhoea and was admitted to 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.”

Boitumelo’s brother later revealed that one of the eggs they had purchased contained a small embryo, which Boitumelo had discarded before using the rest of the eggs in the mixture.

“After baking the scones, Boitumelo, his sister, and his brother ate the remaining mixture. My husband and I ate the scones and weren’t sick, so we believe the mixture caused the food poisoning.”

Brink confirmed the matter was reported to the police, but authorities could not confirm whether an investigation is underway. Attempts to obtain comment from Tambo Memorial Hospital were unsuccessful at the time of publication.

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’s acting principal Freek Erasmus said the tragedy shocked the school.

“We are devastated,” he said, describing Boitumelo as a quiet, hardworking learner. “We believe he had a bright future ahead of him and extend our sincere condolences to the family.”

Double tragedy

Esmerelda also lost her 38-year-old niece, Victoria Olivia Phillips, on the same day. Victoria, who lived in Griekwastad in the Northern Cape, passed away at home following an illness.

“She was loved by her friends for being very spontaneous. She loved reading and was passionate about politics, as a member of the ANC,” Brink said.