Limpopo learner dies after complaining about stomach cramps

A learner [15] from Raleledu Secondary School has died after being amongst 52 other learners who complained about stomach cramps. The female grade 09 learner falls under Baltimore Circuit, Mogalakwena Education District.

The sad incident happened on 23 February 2024, when learners started complaining about stomach cramps.

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Some started vomiting after they had been fed their food. Learners were rushed to the nearby health center and later 52 learners were transferred to George Masebe Hospital. 51 learners were treated and discharged. The 15-year-old was the only learner who was critical and later passed on.

MEC OFFERS CONDOLENCES AFTER A LEARNER DIED FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS ABOUT STOMACH CRAMPS

MEC for Education in Limpopo, Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya expressed her sadness about the incident.

“This is very heartbreaking,” she said. “We send our deepest condolences and prayers to the bereaved family.”

“This can never be something to just brush off. Investigations will be conducted to find the root cause of what happened to our learners.

“The alleged food poisoning is something not to be taken lightly, when there is so much awareness in the country about unsafe food. When a young life is lost the future slowly becomes bleak. We need to protect our youth,” MEC lamented.

“Psycho-social support will also be offered to the school community in light of this accident.”