Food poisoning claims lives of 4 Soweto children
Four children died in a suspected case of food poisoning in Soweto over the weekend, the Gauteng Department of Education confirmed on Monday.
Three boys and one girl aged between seven and nine-years-old allegedly consumed snacks bought from the local spaza shop in Naledi.
A fifth child, who is a Grade 1 boy, remained in ICU after also eating the snacks.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the children attend Karabo Primary School and Khauhelo Primary School.
"According to information at our disposal, a Grade 1 boy (age 7), a Grade 2 girl (age 8), and a Grade 3 boy (age 9) from Karabo Primary School sadly passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming food suspected to have contained poison.
"In a separate incident, an 8-year-old Grade 2 boy from Khauhelo Primary School also passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Naledi.
"Police are currently investigating circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents.
"The GDE, together with the affected schools, has activated the necessary support structures to provide psycho-social counseling to affected learners, educators, and family members," added Mabona.
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