The Soshanguve magistrate’s court is expected to hand down judgment on Friday on the formal bail application by three men accused of selling muffins laced with dagga to pupils.
Amukelani Nyulunga, 19, Ofentse Maluleka, 21, and 29-year-old Katlego Matlala last appeared in the Soshanguve magistrate’s court on October 4 when they applied for bail.
According to National Prosecuting Authority spokesperson Lumka Mahanjana, the accused face 43 counts of attempted murder for selling muffins laced with a substance with a narcotic effect to school children.
It is alleged that on September 20, Nyulunga and Maluleka sold the muffins to pupils from Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve Block Y in Tshwane.
“It is further alleged that the children started vomiting, experiencing stomach cramps, and behaving strangely at school,” Mahanjana said.
“The school principal then called the ambulance, which took the children to the clinic and transferred them to the hospital for further observation.”
Pupils discharged from hospital
The learners, who were admitted to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, have since been discharged from the hospital.
Mahanjana added that Nyulunga and Maluleka were arrested on the same day of the incident and had been in custody since.
Matlala handed himself over to police and was arrested on September 26 after evidence linked him to the offence.
At the time of the incident, Gauteng education department spokesperson Steve Mabona said about 90 pupils from grade R to 7 consumed muffins suspected to have been laced with dagga which they bought from a street vendor on their way to school.
It was reported in the media that the DA in the province had called on school governing bodies and the community to work together to avoid such incidents from occurring.
“Gauteng schools lack a functional vetting process for vendors to ensure learners are sold safe, hygienic, and healthy food,” it said.
