The Grade 1 learner who had been recovering in ICU following a suspected food poisoning incident in Naledi, Soweto has died the Gauteng Education Department confirmed on Sunday.
The Karabo Primary School learner got ill on Sunday, October 6, this poisoning incident claimed the lives of five other learners from three different schools.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed the learner passed away at a local medical facility.
“In a heartbreaking development, today also marked the mass funeral of the five other learners who lost their lives in the same suspected food poisoning incident. The entire school community is devastated by these tragic losses, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.
“We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the family and the school community. The department will provide psycho-social support to the families, learners, and staff during this incredibly difficult time,” Chiloane said.
Last week, the Department confirmed the death of the children in Soweto.
Three of the learners were from Karabo Primary School and one from Khauhelo Primary School, both located in Soweto.
“These learners died after allegedly consuming food that is suspected to have been poisoned.”
The Department said the victims included a Grade 1 boy, aged 7, a Grade 2 girl, aged 8, a Grade 3 boy, aged 9.
In a separate incident, an eight-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.
Following the deaths of the learners, an outbreak of violence in Naledi and Tladi saw locals go on a rampage, closing and looting foreign-owned spaza shops.