Police in Soweto are investigating the deaths of five children, after allegedly consuming snacks from a local tuckshop suspected to have been poisoned.
According to the Gauteng Department of Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, all the learners are from two primary schools in Naledi, Soweto, and they died on Sunday.
“According to information at our disposal, a Grade 1 boy (age 7), a Grade 2 girl (age 8), and a Grade 3 boy (age 9) from Karabo Primary School sadly passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming food suspected to have contained poison.
Additionally, a Grade 1 boy learner from the school remains in ICU at a local medical facility after also having consumed the food.
In a separate incident, an 8-year-old Grade 2 boy from Khauhelo Primary School also passed away on Sunday after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from a spaza shop in Naledi,” said the department spokesperson, Steve Mabona.
Mabona added that the police are currently investigating circumstances surrounding these tragic incidents.
Meanwhile, the department, together with the affected schools, has activated the necessary support structures to provide psycho-social counselling to affected learners, educators, and family members.
The department MEC Matome Chiloane, has sent a message of condolences to the affected families.
“We wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and school communities affected by these tragic incidents.
The safety and well-being of our learners remain our top priority, and we urge parents, guardians, and communities to exercise caution regarding the food consumed by children,” said Chiloane.
Police have confirmed that they’re investigating the learners’ deaths.
“The police have opened an inquest docket after five kids aged between six and nine years old were declared dead at the local (Naledi) clinic on October 6 2024.
The circumstances that led to their deaths are unknown at this stage pending police investigations,” said Police spokesperson, Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi.
