Pupils hospitalised for alleged food poisoning

Some pupils from a high school in Dukuduku, Mtubatuba were hospitalised in a critical condition following a suspected food poisoning incident on Monday.

Another pupil, also suspected to have fallen ill due to food poisoning, was rushed to the clinic on Tuesday morning.

Principal of Silethukukhanya High School, Zamani Madela, said eight of those pupils were discharged on Tuesday morning, while two remained in hospital.

According to an incident report by Madela, it is suspected that the pupils fell ill after consuming packets of chips sold at the school.

Investigations by school staff found that these chips were being sold by some pupils who said they had stocked up from a local shop.

“The packs of snacks contained white powder inside. Without further ado, the principal ceased any selling of snacks within the school property until a further investigation was done.

“The principal transported the affected learners to Sipho Zungu Clinic where they received medical attention. Some had not regained consciousness and were immediately transferred to Hlabisa Mission Hospital,” reads the incident report.

Ward Councillor Ntokozo Mlungwana said an inspection of all the local tuck shops is set to be conducted in the coming days.

He added that vendors at the school have so far complied with the ban of the sale of chips and biscuits, and local tuck shops have removed these from their shelves.

The KZN Department of Health was yet to respond to a media inquiry.

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