A 15-year-old Grade 9 pupil from Raleledu Senior Secondary School in Uitzicht village, Limpopo, died after complaining of stomach cramps.
The pupil, who was among 52 others complaining about stomach cramps, passed away around 9 pm on Friday, 23 February.
According to reports, pupils started complaining of stomach cramps, and some even began vomiting after consuming food during break time.
Provincial Education spokesperson Matome Taueatsoala said the learners were promptly taken to the nearby health centre.
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"Later, 52 learners were transferred to George Masebe Hospital. Fifty-one learners were treated and discharged. The 15-year-old was the only learner in a critical condition and later passed away," he said.
Limpopo Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya expressed her sadness over the pupil's passing.
"This is very heartbreaking. We send our deepest condolences and prayers to the bereaved family. Alleged food poisoning is not to be taken lightly, especially with so much awareness in the country about unsafe food," said the MEC.
The MEC said that investigations would be conducted to determine the root cause of the pupils' illness.
"When a young life is lost, the future slowly becomes bleak, and we need to protect our youth. Psycho-social support will also be offered to the school community in light of this incident," said the MEC.
Daily Sun contacted the school principal, who stated he is not permitted to comment but confirmed that they escalated the matter to the Limpopo Department of Education.
