A suspected food pois0ning incident at Riverdale Academy, a private school in the Hillside suburb of Bulawayo, has raised alarming concerns following a dinner event attended by approximately 1,400 people on Saturday, which left dozens of students and some parents hospitalized with severe stomach cramps and vomiting.
Reports from distressed parents indicate that their children began exhibiting symptoms shortly after returning home from the event, with one parent recounting how their son experienced such debilitating cramps that they had to rush him to the hospital for IV fluids.
This troubling incident has not only affected the pupils, but also some parents who attended the dinner, highlighting the widespread nature of the suspected food-borne illness.
Parents have expressed dissatisfaction with the school’s handling of the situation, criticizing the lack of transparency and timely communication from the administration, which they feel has failed to adequately address their concerns.
“The incident occurred on Saturday, and as of today (Thursday), the school has yet to release a comprehensive report regarding the near-fatal event involving our children,” one parent lamented, echoing feelings of anxiety and disappointment.
As the community grapples with this unsettling episode, parents are uniting in their calls for an independent investigation to determine the truth behind the illnesses and ensure accountability for the catering services involved.
Furthermore, demands for a full refund from the school have emerged, alongside calls for stringent action against those responsible for the food preparation.
Principal Philani Mathe has confirmed the incident and stated that the school is actively investigating the matter while keeping a close eye on the affected students.
He pointed out that, despite the large turnout at the dinner, only about four students have reported falling ill, a statement that many parents find inadequate given the scale of the potential outbreak.
The lack of a timely and definitive statement from the school has only fueled suspicions and concerns regarding food safety protocols and the health measures in place at events.
In light of these developments, the parents remain vigilant and are demanding significant changes to ensure the safety and well-being of all students moving forward.
As the investigation progresses, the school community is urged to be patient, although the hesitation to provide immediate answers has already begun to erode trust between the parents and the school administration.
SOURCE : NEWSREPORTZIM.COM
