Schoolchildren from Zithobeni falls prey to alleged poisoned food – police warn learners
“The engagement's objectives were to provide feedback on actions taken by the police to solve the food problem at the Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School, to stop the attempts to shut down businesses and stop protests in the town.”
In Zithobeni and Bronkhorstspruit outraged community members targeted foreign-owned spaza shops last week.
This outcry for shutting all foreign-owned spaza shops on October 18 came after a group of learners from the Mshuluzane Mayisela Primary School in Zithobeni, Bronkhorstspruit, fell sick the day before.
Learners experienced stomach aches and itching shortly after eating snacks, apparently bought from a street vendor near the school on October 17.
The school personnel called emergency services, and they transported 25 children to medical facilities where they received treatment for suspected food poisoning.
According to the Bronkhorstspruit Police commander, Colonel Maqhawe Dhladla, he embarked on a community engagement in Zithobeni at around 08:30 the Friday after the incident.
“The engagement’s objectives were to provide feedback on actions taken by the police to solve the food problem at the school, to stop the attempts to shut down businesses and to stop protests in the town,” said Dhladla.
However, a modest group of community members at the Zithobeni four-way crossing soon increased, and disruption broke out.
Dhladhla later visited schools throughout the area to educate learners about checking the expiry dates on the packaging before purchasing chips or snacks.
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“He begged the teachers to verify whether learners are purchasing consumable goods from street vendors,” said Constable Cathrine Ramovha, the corporate communication officer for the Bronkhorstspruit police.
“Additionally, Dhladhla requested the community not to buy cheap goods because some are imitations of other brands.”
“To ensure the products sold in stores are edible, the police and other relevant role-players will perform inspections,” she concluded.
Steve Mabona, the spokesperson for the Gauteng of Education, added eight of the 25 learners who fell ill were transported to the Kungwini Clinic and 17 to Zithobeni Clinic.
