Bronkhorstspruit community rallies after food poisoning incident
Colonel Dhladhla asks the community to refrain from buying cheap goods because some of them are imitations of other brands.
Police have advised the community of Zithobeni to check the expiration date of the foodstuff before they consume it.
Last week 25 learners from local primary school, Mshuluzane Mayisela in Bronkhorstspruit had to be hospitalised for food-poisoning after allegedly consuming snacks bought from vendors outside the school.
They all have since been discharged, according to police.
Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona reported that 25 learners showed symptoms of itchiness and stomach pains approximately 30 minutes after eating the snacks.
“Emergency services quickly responded, transporting the affected learners to medical facilities,” said Mabona.
He said eight were taken to Kungwini Clinic, and 17 to Zithobeni Clinic.
“All of them were transported by Gauteng government ambulances.”
According to Constable Cathrine Ramovha, all learners have since been discharged.
She said in response to the incident, station commander Colonel Maqhawe Dhladhla led a community engagement initiative in Zithobeni on October 18.
“The event aimed to address the food poisoning incident and prevent business shutdowns and town protests,” said Ramovha.
She said Colonel Dhladhla visited local schools, educating learners about avoiding street vendors and how to read expiration dates.
“Colonel Dhladhla later made school visits throughout the area to educate learners about the importance of checking the expiration date before purchasing chips or snacks,” said Ramovha.
Ramovha said Dhladhla urged teachers to monitor purchases and warned the community about counterfeit products.
She said Dhladhla also warned the community against buying knock-offs because their labelling cannot be authenticated.
“To make sure that the products sold in stores are edible, police and other relevant roleplayers will perform inspections.”
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