By Mpho Moloi
The Gauteng Education Department has confirmed the death of a Grade 1 boy from Karabo Primary School due to suspected food poisoning, marking the sixth fatality in this tragic incident. This follows the deaths of five other learners from different schools in the Naledi area of Soweto, who also succumbed to suspected food poisoning after consuming snacks from a local spaza shop. The young boy, who had been in ICU since October 6, passed away on October 13, 2024, adding to the heartbreak experienced by the Soweto community .
In response to the incident, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed his condolences to the families affected. The department has pledged to offer psychosocial support to learners, staff, and families during this difficult time. Chiloane emphasized the need for strict food safety regulations in schools and community areas to prevent further tragedies .
The mass funeral for the five learners who died earlier took place on the same day as the announcement of the sixth child’s passing. Community members and family gathered to pay their respects and demand accountability. The tragedy has sparked calls for greater oversight of food vendors operating near schools, particularly those selling potentially hazardous products .
This incident has also led to public outcry, with local residents demanding action against spaza shops, some of which were targeted and shut down by community members in the days following the initial deaths. The community’s response reflects ongoing concerns over food safety and the availability of potentially harmful products in township areas .
Authorities are continuing to investigate the exact cause of the suspected poisoning, with inquest dockets opened to determine whether the deaths resulted from negligence or criminal intent. Meanwhile, the Gauteng Education Department is working closely with law enforcement and health officials to address food safety in the province, aiming to prevent further incidents of this nature .
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