A 13-year-old boy from Khubvi, outside Thohoyandou in Limpopo, died in the William Eadie Health Clinic on Wednesday after eating a snack from a local spaza shop.

According to provincial government spokesperson Ndavhe Ramakuela, the boy ate crisps or puffs that he and three others were offered by a shopkeeper.

The boy experienced complications and was rushed to the health centre in Tshidimbini, where he passed away.

“Three other boys who ate the snack from the same offer were admitted at the Donald Fraser Hospital, where they are in stable condition,” says Ramakuela.

Limpopo premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba says government is concerned about similar incidents reported in Mopani and Vhembe involving 80 learners.

Ramathuba has formed an inter-ministerial task team comprising of the Departments of Health; Education; Economic Development, Environment and Tourism; Social Development and the SAPS to advise provincial government on strategies moving forward.

“The Executive Council will convene on Sunday to action the proposed strategy,” Ramakuela says.

Schools and communities in the Vhembe District have been urged to remain vigilant about food safety after 34 learners from two schools fell ill last Monday due to suspected food poisoning.

Three learners from Denga High School, located in the Nthabalala area, were treated and discharged from Elim Hospital the same day.

Meanwhile, 31 learners from Mukhwantheli High School, who were on a school trip to the Schoemansdal Museum, received treatment at Louis Trichardt Memorial Hospital and were also discharged on the same day.

According to reports, the three learners from Denga High School purchased snacks from a nearby spaza shop before falling ill.

“Parents should be concerned about what their children are eating. This way, we can jointly deal with this problem,” she says.