Gauteng Education regrets death of Siyabonga Mnisi from suspected food poisoning

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has confirmed the tragic passing of a Grade R learner from Dumezweni Primary School on November 20.

The Diepkloof learner is among numerous other children in the country who have died due to suspected food poisoning.

Three additional learners from the same school have also been hospitalised after experiencing similar symptoms.

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“According to available information, the learners, who reside in the same yard and were playing together, began showing severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea after allegedly consuming snacks.

“The five-year-old Grade R learner and the other children were taken to a local medical facility.

“Sadly, the learner was declared deceased, while the other three learners were transferred to another facility for further medical care,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.

The police have since opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.

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“In response to this devastating situation, the department has deployed its Education Support Team to provide psychosocial services to the school community, ensuring that learners and staff receive the emotional and psychological support they need during this difficult time.”

“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased learner and wish the hospitalised learners a speedy recovery,” Chiloane said.