Pupil dies after consuming spaza shop 'biscuits'
A Grade 1 pupil from Mandlethu Primary School in Tsakane after eating what is believed to be biscuits from a local spaza shop on Tuesday.
The pupil died shortly after experiencing health complications in class.
The Department of Education in Gauteng says police are investigating the circumstances that led to the child's death.
"According to information at our disposal, the parents confirmed that the child had consumed biscuits which were bought from a local spaza shop owned by foreign nationals," said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane's spokesperson Xolani Mkhwemte.
The department will deploy the Psycho-Social Support Unit, to provide trauma support and counselling to all affected individuals on Wednesday.
"We plead with parents to be vigilant concerning the edible goods that their children consume," said Mkhwente.
"We call upon law enforcement agencies and municipalities to be more stringent on compliance matters related to spaza shop products."
This is the latest in a spate of incidents in Gauteng where pupils lost their lives after eating food bought from spaza shops.
In October a grade 3 pupil from Tiro Primary School in Tshepisong, Roodepoort, died in a suspected case of food poisoning.
It was alleged that the pupil bought and ate a pack of biscuits from a local spaza shop in the area.
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