Ema Primary poisoning mystery solved
The mystery surrounding the death of three Ema Primary School girls in September came to an end on Thursday when the post-mortem result were released.
Three pupils who died at Ema Primary School in Winterveldt last year had consumed poisoned food provided by one of them.
This was confirmed by the autopsy report and toxicology laboratory results, Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said on Thursday.
“The cause of death… was indeed poison ingestion. On the day of question, one of the three learners had brought to school food from home and a bottle of juice. The food was shared by all three learners during the school break.”
Sibongile Mahleya (8), Mbali Mahlangu (8) and Precious Msiza (6) died after their lunch break on 25 September. Precious and Mbali were cousins. The three were declared dead at a hospital.
Last year, the department dismissed claims that the poisoned food came from the school’s feeding scheme. It said the lethal food contained a dough ingredient, which came from outside of the school.
Lesufi said on Thursday traces of the poison were not found in any of the food provided by the school.
Lindiwe Mahleya, grandmother to Sibongile, told Rekord last year that she gave her grandchild cookies and juice to take to school.
Mahleya, however, refused to speak to Rekord after the release of the post-mortem results on Thursday.
Precious and Mbali’s uncle, Klaas Mahlangu said their deaths were still difficult to handle.
“We were told by the MEC on Wednesday about this. There isn’t much I can say. This is very difficult. We will allow the police to deal with this matter,” he told Rekord.
Lesufi said the matter was currently under police investigation.
Also read: Education department mum over poisoned kids’ death
Three girls laid to rest after poisoning
Three pupils die from alleged food poisoning
Families want answers after 3 kids died
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