Mtubatuba suspected food poisoning cases rise to 44, prompting investigation

Suspected food poisoning cases at a Mtubatuba-based primary school this week rose to 44, with six children critical but stable, prompting an investigation.

About 20 pupils from Ngaqa Primary School were on Monday rushed to Machibini Clinic after eating a certain brand of crisps, with some referred to Hlabisa Hospital.

The vendors claimed they stocked the brand of chips from a local shop in the Somkhele area.

Grade 6 pupils were reportedly among the majority of those who sought medical attention, with some complaining of stomach aches.

This follows a similar incident reported at kwaZitike Primary School that reportedly left more than a dozen pupils seeking medical attention.

It is reported that the pupils complained of intense itchiness, some sore throats and stomachs after having consumed a flavoured instant drink powder, allegedly sold to them by a fellow learner.

While the Department of Education (DoE) has been kept abreast of both incidents, Mtubatuba Mayor Mxolisi Mthethwa, together with local law enforcement, on Tuesday proceeded to inspect goods sold at shops in the locale of Ngaqa Primary, where some expired goods were found and removed from shelves.

DoE circuit manager Sthandwa Ngcobo said the department has issued a directive to all schools within the Hlabisa CMC to immediately halt the selling of crisps by vendors to pupils, and that all SGBs should convene urgent meetings to decide on the matter for their specific schools.

“We have said for now only fruit should be sold until SGBs have decided on what will be done at their schools because all schools have a feeding programme which provides for pupils,” said Ngcobo.

Police spokesperson Captain Justice Hlabisa said an inquiry has been opened by SAPS following the suspected food poisoning at Ngaqa Primary, adding that environmental health officials have been notified.

“Currently, such supermarkets are closed, and the inquiry file was opened under KwaMsane Police Station,” said Hlabisa.

Meanwhile, Ngaqa Primary SGB chair Albert Nkosi said the school was faced with the challenge of having no food because its supplier had not provided any to ensure the functioning of the school feeding programme.

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