The Gauteng Department of Health has reported that 47 primary school students, aged 9 to 14, from Rapelego Primary School in New Eersterust, Hammanskraal, were rushed to various medical institutions for treatment following a suspected food poisoning incident.
The students were rushed to Jubilee Hospital, Odi Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital on Monday, where they were stabilized and treated.
The majority of the students were discharged on Tuesday.
In the most recent report on Wednesday, Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education, stated that three more learners had been freed.
One trainee remained in the hospital as of Wednesday morning.
“The chocolates were allegedly given to a Grade 7 learner, as we hear, by a certain man so the police will then have to assist to check on his whereabouts and all those things. There should be an investigation on this matter,” Mabona spoke to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday.
Mabona said not much is known about the man who brought the chocolates.
“The chocolates were sold, and they were very cheap. It is a brand that is well known at R2 per chocolate so it would be grabbed fast, that is why you would then see that many of these learners would have been affected. Some would pop out R1 each and get it because it was going for R2,” he said.
“We do not know know much about him, but we are hopeful that the police would then assist us.”
The Gauteng Department of Health has said the learners had presented with gastrointestinal issues and with some experiencing breathing difficulties.
“The Gauteng Department of Health has appealed to communities to be vigilant about food safety and ensure the proper handling of perishable and no perishable food items. The public is further advised not to consume food that is expired even if it might still look edible. The washing of hands before handling food and after using the bathroom is equally important to avoid cross-contamination,” the provincial department stated.
