Over 50 Estcourt learners in hospital after eating expired food?

They began complaining of stomach pains after returning to their classrooms.

September 17, 2025

Sihle Ntenjwa 1 minute read

Estcourt Provincial Hospital (File photo).

Over 50 schoolchildren from Bambe Primary School were rushed to Estcourt Provincial Hospital yesterday (September 16) after allegedly eating expired SuperCool ice lollies. The children are believed to have bought the ice lollies from a school vendor during break-time.

Teachers reportedly noticed that learners began complaining of stomach pains after returning to their classrooms. The children were first taken to Ntabamhlophe Clinic before being transported to Estcourt Provincial Hospital for further treatment.

The vendor who sold the allegedly expired food items was taken in for questioning by police, while the products were sent away for testing.

Inkosi Langalibalele Mayor Mduduzi Myeza provided food to the affected children, parents and teachers while they awaited the hospital results.

“I have sent the speaker of council, Cllr SW Khumalo, and Ward Cllr MT Mvelase to monitor the situation and support the teachers, parents and children during this time. What we can confirm is that the police have taken the seller in for questioning and that the ice blocks have been sent as samples for further testing. We appeal to parents to be vigilant, as we continue to see the widespread sale of illegal goods to our children,” said Myeza.