Two suspects are set to appear before the Soshanguve magistrate’s court on Friday for allegedly selling space cookies to learners.
It was reported earlier in the week that learners from Pulamadibogo Primary School started experiencing nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting from allegedly consuming cookies.
The learners, who were admitted to Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, have been discharged from the hospital.
According to the department of education in Gauteng, the condition of the discharged learners has improved.
“Only three girls remain in hospital, and they are still receiving the necessary medical attention to return to full health,” said Gauteng MEC for education Matome Chiloane.
“We are relieved that the affected learners were discharged following this saddening incident. We wish the remaining learners a speedy recovery.”
The department said according to information, about 90 learners from grade R to grade 7 consumed what looked like muffins suspected to have been laced with dagga.
The learners had bought the cookies from a street vendor on their way to school.
Teachers witnessed a strange behaviour from the learners in class and immediately called emergency services, who attended to the learners.
They were later rushed to different medical facilities where their conditions were monitored.
Police visited the school after the incident caused distress among parents, who were concerned about their children’s health.
Subsequently, a street vendor was identified and an investigation was conducted leading to the arrest.
It was reported in the media that the DA in the province 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.
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