Mpumalanga police are appealing to the public to remain calm while they investigate the death of a two-year-old from Bushbuckridge who died after consuming food and then falling ill.

It is believed that the boy and his siblings aged; 3, 4 and 5, experienced stomach aches after eating food.

“Regrettably, the medical personnel who attended the scene, indicated that the youngest child had succumbed. The remaining siblings were taken to a nearby hospital, where they received medical attention. Two of the children were discharged, while the fourth one remains in the care of the hospital,” said Mpumalanga police spokesperson, Colonel Donald Mdhluli.

He said a team of investigators, health experts and other roleplayers are working to probe the allegations that the food the children ate, made them sick.

Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, seven learners from Bongucele Secondary School in eMthwalume were treated for a food-related illness.

“Six of these learners have since received medical treatment and have been discharged, while, one learner, who is pregnant, remains under medical observation as a precautionary measure.

Preliminary information suggests that the affected learners bought chips from a local spaza shop, on their way to school,” the provincial Department of Education said.

DBE MEC, Sipho Hlomuka, added that the South African Police Services have investigated the incident by visiting the spaza shop.

“As a Department we are committed in ensuring the health and safety of all our learners, and therefore, discourage our learners from buying food products from unauthorised vendors,” Hlomuka said.

IOL News

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