The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that 47 primary school learners, aged between 9 and 14, from Rapelego Primary School in New Eersterust in Hammanskraal were rushed to different medical facilities for treatment in a suspected food poisoning incident.
The learners were rushed to Jubilee Hospital, Odi Hospital, Tshwane District Hospital, and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital on Monday where they were stabilized and attended.
The majority of the learners were discharged on Tuesday.
In the latest update on Wednesday, spokesperson for Gauteng Department of Education, Steve Mabona said three more learners had been discharged.
One learner remained in hospital by Wednesday morning.
“The chocolates were allegedly given to a Grade 7 learner, as we hear, by a certain man so the police will then have to assist to check on his whereabouts and all those things. There should be an investigation on this matter,” Mabona spoke to broadcaster Newzroom Afrika on Wednesday.
Mabona said not much is known about the man who brought the chocolates.
“The chocolates were sold, and they were very cheap. It is a brand that is well known at R2 per chocolate so it would be grabbed fast, that is why you would then see that many of these learners would have been affected. Some would pop out R1 each and get it because it was going for R2,” he said.
“We do not know know much about him, but we are hopeful that the police would then assist us.”
The Gauteng Department of Health has said the learners had presented with gastrointestinal issues and with some experiencing breathing difficulties.
“The Gauteng Department of Health has appealed to communities to be vigilant about food safety and ensure the proper handling of perishable and no perishable food items. The public is further advised not to consume food that is expired even if it might still look edible. The washing of hands before handling food and after using the bathroom is equally important to avoid cross-contamination,” the provincial department stated.
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