The Gauteng Department of Health has reported that 47 primary school students, aged 9 to 14, from Rapelego Primary School in New Eersterust, Hammanskraal, were taken to various medical facilities due to a suspected food poisoning incident.
On Monday, the students were quickly transported to Jubilee Hospital, Odi Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, and Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, where they received stabilization and treatment.
Most of the affected students were discharged by Tuesday.
By Wednesday, Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona provided an update, revealing that three additional students had been released from the hospital, leaving one still under care as of Wednesday morning.
According to Mabona, the situation reportedly began when a Grade 7 student received chocolates from a man whose identity remains unknown.
“The police will need to investigate his whereabouts and look into this matter further,” he explained during an interview with broadcaster Newzroom Afrika.
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Details about the man who distributed the chocolates are scarce. Mabona noted that the chocolates were being sold at a very low price—R2 each—which likely contributed to their rapid sale.
“Some students would spend R1 to buy them because of the low cost,” he added.
The Gauteng Department of Health reported that the students exhibited gastrointestinal symptoms, with some experiencing difficulty in breathing.
They emphasized the importance of food safety in the community and urged residents to ensure proper handling of both perishable and non-perishable food items.
The department also advised against consuming expired foods, even if they appear edible, and highlighted the necessity of handwashing before handling food and after using the restroom to prevent cross-contamination.
