The case against the two men accused of selling space cookies to about 90 learners at Pulamadibogo Primary School has been postponed to 29 September for further investigations.
Amukelani Nyalungu (19) and Ofentse Maluleka (21) are charged with eight counts of attempted murder and more charges are expected to be added once the investigation officer has finalised collecting over 20 statements from the victims.
Earlier this week, 90 learners were taken to nearby health facilities after experiencing nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting after allegedly consuming space cookies.
Community members demonstrated outside the Soshanguve Magistrate Court also calling for the men to be denied bail.
The member of the school governing body( SGB), Dipuo Kgasi said the suspects should be denied bail because she alleged they almost killed the learners.
“After the arrest we are not satisfied until the court takes a decision that they will not give them bail because they almost killed our children. 90 plus one is too much,” said Kgasi.
Kgasi said they have been trying to remove street vendors operating outside the school premises and police failed to assist them.
“We have been chasing the street vendors operating outside the school and these ones we don’t know if it was the first time operating from the school or what. But the street vendors operating outside, we have been chasing them away for the longest of time. The police also failed us because they didn’t give us support when we tried to remove them from the school,” said Kgasi
But a vendor who operates inside the school premises who opted to remain anonymous due to fear of victimisation said the food they sell is constantly inspected.
“I am operating within the school premises and the food we sell is constantly being checked. Yesterday, our food was inspected and they found that everything was okay. We keep healthy food hygiene as well. The food that is served by the school is also good. The problem is that these children bought food from the street vendors operating outside and not from us who are operating within the school premises.
“The principal has been pleading with learners to buy inside the school premises so that if there is a problem it is easier for the school to address it,” said the street vendor.
The Gauteng Education Department has confirmed that all learners have been discharged from healthcare facilities.
