Soweto child dies in a suspected 'food poisoning'
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed the death of a child in a suspected food poisoning incident.
The Grade 6 pupil from Thobeka Primary School in Meadowlands, died on Tuesday.
"According to information at our disposal, the learner last attended school on Friday 1 November, showing no signs of illness," said spokesperson Steve Mabona.
"Over the weekend, her parent reported that the learner bought snacks from a street vendor on Sunday, not on school premises.
On Monday, she was absent from school, and her parent later informed the school that she had been hospitalised due to a suspected foodborne illness.”
Mabona confirmed that the learner died on Tuesday, 5 November, while being treated in hospital.
In a separate incident, 21 pupils from Vuyani Primary School in Tsakane, in Ekurhuleni were hospitalised for another suspected foodborne illness.
Mabona said the pupils were later discharged.
"It is reported that 21 learners began reporting stomach cramps on Friday morning, shortly after their school break. Accordingly, the learners were taken to different healthcare facilities for immediate medical attention.
We can confirm that all affected learners were discharged later in the afternoon after being treated, and are all in good health.”
Mabona adds that “the department is working closely with health officials to investigate the cause of this incident and ensure the well-being of our learners.”
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