A street vendor who allegedly sold space cookies suspected to be laced with dagga to primary school learners was handed over to the police. This comes after 90 learners were rushed to hospital with stomach cramps at Pulamadibogo Primary in Soshanguve outside Tshwane yesterday.

The Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed concern after he received news that 90 learners were rushed to local medical facilities after experiencing nausea, stomach cramps and some vomiting from allegedly consuming space cookies. Spokesperson Steve Mabona said information at their disposal, reveals that  learners from Grade R - 7 consumed what looked like muffins, suspected to be laced with dagga (space cookies), which they bought from a street vendor on their way to school. "Educators witnessed strange behaviour from the learners in class and immediately called emergency services for necessary support. All 90 affected learners were attended to by emergency services on school premises. However, they were all subsequently rushed to different medical facilities where their condition will be monitored, "he said.

Mabona said police visited the school as this incident caused distress among parents who also came as they were concerned about the safety of their children. "Subsequently, the street vendor was identified and handed himself to the police. The police will conduct their investigation accordingly. Indeed, this is concerning for us and we call for patience from parents while investigations are underway and learners are recovering. We implore learners to be vigilant of what they purchase and consume, and be cautious of who they purchase food from. We wish all affected learners speedy recovery," said MEC Chiloane.