By Thabo Mosia
In a concerning incident on the morning of 6 November 2024, 37 learners from Daluxolo Primary School in Welkom, Free State, were admitted to Bongani Regional Hospital presenting with symptoms of itchy skin. Preliminary investigations suggest that these symptoms resulted from the consumption of cookies containing unidentified tablets.
Upon arrival at the hospital, medical personnel promptly attended to the affected children. After receiving appropriate treatment, all 37 learners were discharged with medications to manage their symptoms. Parents have been advised to monitor their children’s health closely and to return to the hospital immediately if any conditions worsen or new symptoms emerge.
The Free State Department of Health has taken swift action by deploying Environmental Health Practitioners to the area. Their mandate is to conduct a thorough investigation to identify the source of the contamination and to gather any evidence that could link the consumed cookies to the children’s ailments. This initiative aims to prevent further incidents and to ensure the safety of the community.
This incident is reminiscent of previous cases where schoolchildren have fallen ill after consuming tainted food products. In September 2023, 90 pupils from Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve were hospitalised after ingesting muffins suspected to be laced with dagga, purchased from a street vendor. The learners experienced nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting, leading to a police investigation into the vendor’s activities. 
Similarly, in June 2023, several pupils from Emfundisweni Primary School in Alexandra were hospitalised after consuming cookies allegedly laced with drugs, sold by a vendor outside the school. The incident prompted calls for stricter vetting processes for vendors operating near educational institutions. 
These recurring incidents underscore the urgent need for stringent measures to regulate the sale of food products near schools. Ensuring the safety and well-being of learners is paramount, and authorities must implement robust policies to prevent such occurrences in the future.
Parents and guardians are urged to educate their children about the potential dangers of consuming food from unverified sources. Schools, in collaboration with local health departments, should conduct awareness campaigns to inform students about food safety and the importance of purchasing items from reputable vendors.
The community’s cooperation is essential in addressing this issue. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or vendors selling unverified food products near schools to the authorities. Such vigilance can play a crucial role in safeguarding the health of children and preventing future incidents.
As the investigation into the Daluxolo Primary School incident continues, updates will be provided by the Free State Department of Health. In the meantime, the department assures the public that all necessary steps are being taken to ensure the safety and well-being of the affected learners and the broader community.
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