120 Eastern Cape learners hospitalised after allegedly eating “poisoned “school lunch

WENDY MOTHATA |

THE Eastern Cape Department of Education said about 120 Kamvalesizwe Primary school learners, in Kenton-on-Sea, outside Port Alfred have been admitted at the Port Alfred Hospital after complaining of stomach aches and vomiting on Monday afternoon.

Eastern Cape education spokesperson Mali Mtima said: “It is alleged that these learners started showing signs of this after having a meal served at their school during the lunch break period as part of the School Nutrition Program.”

Mtima said that the departmental officials from the district, provincial office and the Department of Basic Education are on site monitoring the situation.

“Departmental officials from the district, provincial office and the Department of Basic Education are on site monitoring the situation. The district office is currently providing psychosocial services to the learners, teachers and parents,” Mtima said.

All the officials and parents are currently waiting for the medical reports on what led to the situation.

“The department is monitoring the situation in collaboration with the department of Health. Currently, all officials and parents are still awaiting medical reports on what led to the situation.”

The spokesperson said that a more detailed statement will be released in due course on any new developments.

A full investigation is now underway.

–Inside Education