Soshanguve police have opened an inquest investigation after a grade 3 learner at Itumeleng Madiba primary school died during a lunch break last week Friday.

Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the learner collapsed while eating food from his lunchbox.

“The food was from home and not from our Nutrition Programme. According to information at our disposal, the incident occurred on Friday (January 14) during break, while learners were eating their lunch in class monitored by the teacher.”

Mabona said the learner was immediately attended to and taken to the sickbay while parents, an ambulance and police were called to the scene.

“Unfortunately, when the parent and ambulance arrived, the learner had already passed on. The police arrived and statements were taken, including the lunch box which had the remaining food for necessary examination.”

MEC Panyaza Lesufi said he was displeased that, up until today, the department had not received a formal report from the school and this was a serious breach of their reporting protocols.

“We sincerely send our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones for their great loss. Our psycho-social unit team was at the school to provide the necessary counselling and trauma support.”

Police spokesperson Captain Kay Makhubela said an inquest docket was opened with Soshanguve police.

“No arrests have been made, investigations are underway.”

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