Three pupils die from alleged food poisoning

Three young girls tragically lost their lives after allegedly eating food at Emma Primary School in Winterveld on Thursday morning, provincial police spokesperson Captain Kabelo Marumo told Rekord.

“I can confirm that three children died. At around 11:00 this [Thursday] morning, the children were rushed to hospital and were declared dead on arrival,” he said.

Marumo could not confirm if the three girls, aged 6 years and 8 years, died from food poisoning.

“We cannot confirm the cause of death as yet but it is alleged that they ate something,” Marumo said.

According to the Gauteng Department of Education the three learners fell ill after break, upon medical examinations it was found that they had eaten dough.

“The department has quaratined all food served at the school as precautionary measures.  The food will be sent for testing,” spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane said.

According to a source two of the girls were siblings and while the third was a friend who  brought them cake. “The other learner brought them cake and they all started complaining about stomach cramps after  it,” he said.

Sekhonyane said there are indications that the food might not have originated from the school and that it is believed that the learners were giving cakes and juices from home.

Police are however investigating.

She added that the left over cake will also be tested.

“The Department will also put in place  an indepented investigation into all the circumstances around this incident.”

Gauteng MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi has expressed concerns and will be visiting the school and families of the deceased on Friday.

The department will provide counselling and pastoral care to the families of the deceased, fellow learners and educators.:-)

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