By Doreen Mokgolo
Over 40 learners in Grades 6 and 7 at Rapelego Primary School in New Eersterus, Hammanskraal, were rushed to different medical facilities in the area following a case of suspected food poisoning on Monday.
The incident occurred after learners allegedly ate chocolate they bought from a Grade 7 learner at the school.
It is believed that the chocolate was past its sell-by date.
The school released a list of learners who fell ill and were rushed to hospitals to notify their parents.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said that as of Tuesday, 44 of the 48 affected learners had been discharged.
“Four learners remain hospitalised receiving necessary medical care.
“We wish them a speedy recovery, and we will continue to monitor their condition,” he said.
Concerned parent Moses Motla said he is worried about the safety of learners in the school.
“How was this learner allowed to sell the sweets in the school without any teachers picking this up until the learners started falling sick?
“We want answers about where the learner got the chocolate, who he is selling it for, and for that person to be charged accordingly for selling expired sweets,” he said.
Ward 14 councillor Lesibana Mothwa said they support the school, affected learners and parents.
“We are relieved that so far, none of the affected learners has died and are recovering from the ordeal.
“We are so far allowing the law enforcement and necessary bodies to run tests on the cause of the food poisoning as it could be from a host of things, including the food nutrition provided by the school.
“This is not the right time to point fingers and blame teachers; we will wait for the report,” he said.
Pictured above: Rapelego Primary School.
Source: Supplied
