Another learner from a primary school in Gauteng has died due to a suspected foodborne illness while three others have been hospitalised.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona says the grade R learner at Dumezweni Primary School and three schoolmates showed severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea after allegedly consuming snacks.
According to Mabona, the learners, who reside in the same yard and were playing together, began showing severe symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea after allegedly consuming snacks.
The grade R learner and three others were rushed to a nearby medical facility where one learner passed away.
"The police have since opened an inquest docket to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident," says Mabona.
He adds that the Department has deployed its Education Support Team to provide psychosocial services to the school community, ensuring that learners and staff receive the emotional and psychological support they need.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased learner and wish the hospitalised learners a speedy recovery,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
