Sibling remains in ICU as investigation into food safety and school conduct begins .
A family in Ramosadi Village, North West, is mourning the death of a young learner who reportedly fell ill after consuming snacks bought from a street vendor near her school last Friday. Her sibling, also affected, is currently in intensive care.
The two girls, aged between 8 and 10, allegedly purchased snacks from a hawker operating just outside their school before complaining of severe stomach cramps upon arrival at school. One of the sisters later died, while the other remains in critical condition.
A family member, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect the identities of the minors, criticised the school’s response to the medical emergency.
“We still have so many unanswered questions. One child has passed away and the other is fighting for her life in ICU,” they said.
The family claims the school failed to act swiftly when the children began showing signs of illness. “The School Governing Body, the management, even the principal – they did not make any effort. Perhaps the one who passed on could have been saved if they had called for an ambulance,” the family member stated.
Despite reportedly providing the school with three contact numbers, the family says they were not informed about the children’s condition until a concerned parent intervened.
“So, if it wasn’t for that one parent, we could have lost both children,” the relative added.
Authorities have yet to confirm the cause of the poisoning, and investigations into the source of the snacks and the school’s handling of the incident are ongoing. Community members are now calling for stricter regulations around food sold near schools and more accountability from school officials in emergencies.