The North West Department of Education has confirmed that about six learners from the Monthusi Primary School in Utlwanang Location, near Christiana were rushed to a local clinic after suspected food poisoning on Tuesday morning.
The Department spokesperson Mphata Molokoane said the learners started feeling sick after eating snacks they allegedly bought from a local tuck-shop while on their way to school.
“Upon arrival at the school around 07H30, the said learners started complaining with stomach ache.
They were vomiting before they were rushed to a clinic where they were kept for four-hours under observation,” said Molokoane.
Molokoane added that angry community members wanted to close the tuck-shop where the learners bought the snacks from, but the situation was controlled.
“The department hopes that the incident will not affect teaching in the area and the matric examinations which are expected to start in less than a week.
As the department our stance is that communities should refrain from taking law into their own hands and allow the law enforcement agencies to investigate this matter,” stressed Molokoane.
The Department has vowed to ensure the safety of the learners and protect their right to education.
The incident comes after the provincial government launched the “LATELA MOLAO CAMPAIGN” that aims to safeguard the well-being of consumers and uphold the principles of fairness and responsibility in business practices.
The Department of Economic Development, Environment, Conservation and Tourism (DEDECT) has also issued a stern warning to illegal tuck shop businesses in the province and those who are not complying with the law.
In a statement, the department has warned that anyone who breaks the law will be dealt with.
“Any harm suffered by consumers due to the consumption of expired goods will be met with the full might of the law.
The North West Consumer Affairs will not hesitate to utilize the Consumer Protection Act which is designed to promote social well-being and protect consumers from exploitation and harm” read the department.
The Department’s MEC Tsotso Tlhapi urged consumers to be vigilant, particularly when it comes to matters of health and safety.
She also appealed to members of the community to refrain from buying medication and skin lightening products from local tuck-shops as it poses a serious hazard to their well-being.
The Gauteng province has seen an increased number of unfortunate incidents where several children have died after allegedly eating snacks bought from tuck-shops owned by undocumented foreign nationals.