Another learner from a school in Soweto passed away from a suspected foodborne illness on Friday. The 8-year-old Grade 2 learner from Thabisile Primary School in Diepkloof, Soweto, allegedly fell ill after reportedly consuming biscuits from a local spaza shop.

AUTHORITIES INVESTIGATING HER DEATH

Gauteng Basic Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said the learner's condition reportedly worsened over the next two days, and she was taken to Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital on Friday, where she was declared dead. "At this stage, the exact cause of her passing remains unclear. The relevant authorities are conducting investigations to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident," Mabona said. He added that the department has dispatched its psycho-social support unit to provide counselling to the affected family, learners, and staff at the school tomorrow. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and school community during this difficult time. We remain committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners and will continue to monitor developments closely," MEC Matome Chiloane said. 

A SECOND LEARNER WITHIN A WEEK

Last week, another learner from Diepkloof zone 3 who also allegedly ate toxic snacks bought from a spaza shop died in hospital from a suspected foodborne illness. The Grade R learner, Siyabonga Mnisi (5), who was meant to graduate on Friday, passed away on Friday at the Lillian Ngoyi Clinic, where he was declared dead upon arrival. His father Samuel told ZiMoja that it was painful that instead of seeing his son graduate to go to big school on Friday, he was preparing for his funeral. Siyabonga and his three friends bought the snacks and ate them; shortly after that, they allegedly started vomiting and suffered from severe diarrhea. The friends were admitted to the hospital for treatment.