Reports have surfaced regarding a mass food poisoning incident at Ngaqa Primary School in Mtubatuba, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
Story Summary:
- Reports suggest 22 learners from Ngaqa Primary in Mtubatuba, KZN, were hospitalised after eating snacks bought from a vendor.
- The vendor allegedly sourced the snacks from a foreign-owned spaza shop.
- This follows recent mass food poisoning cases in Gauteng, where foreign-owned spaza shops have been targeted.
Ngaqa Primary mass food poisoning: Here’s what we know
According to unverified sources, 22 learners were admitted to Machibini Clinic after allegedly consuming snacks purchased from vendors operating outside the school.
The situation remains fluid, with more learners reportedly complaining of stomach pains, suggesting the number of hospitalisations may increase.
The vendors involved in the incident claim to have sourced the snacks from a local shop owned by a foreign national.
However, no formal confirmation has been issued by health authorities or local officials regarding the exact cause of the food poisoning.
This incident comes in the wake of a series of similar food poisoning cases in Gauteng, where foreign-owned spaza shops have been implicated.
Earlier this month, six children in Soweto died after consuming allegedly poisoned snacks from a local shop, while more than 70 learners in Hammanskraal were hospitalised under similar circumstances.
The spate of food poisoning incidents has escalated tensions in affected areas, resulting in violent protests and the looting of spaza shops owned by foreign nationals.
Gauteng Finance MEC Lebogang Maile commented on the matter during a press briefing on Sunday, pointing out the ease with which foreign nationals can establish spaza shops in South Africa.
He has called for a more robust and multifaceted approach to address the ongoing crisis, while also condemning the violence and calling for the protection of citizens and their economic interests.
Investigations into the latest incident in KZN are ongoing, and more updates are expected once formal reports from health officials are available.