Mapaballo Borotho
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has issued a strong warning to communities following the tragic death of a school learner who allegedly consumed snacks purchased from a local spaza shop.
The incident occurred on Saturday, 28 June 2025, but was formally reported to the learner’s school earlier this week.
According to preliminary information, the child fell ill shortly after eating the snacks and was rushed to a nearby clinic, where she was sadly declared dead.
“According to the information at our disposal, the learner allegedly ate snacks bought from a spaza shop near her home. Shortly after consuming them, she became ill and was taken to a local clinic where she, unfortunately, passed away,” said MEC Chiloane.
The MEC expressed concern over the recurring incidents involving learners falling ill after consuming food from unregulated vendors.
“We are still experiencing tragic outcomes from the consumption of unauthorised or unverified food items. We urge communities to be more cautious and to help protect our children from avoidable harm, especially from unauthorised spaza shops,” he added.
This marks yet another heartbreaking case in a growing number of incidents where learners have died after consuming snacks or food items from spaza shops.
READ NEXT: JSC recommends Justice Dunstan Mlambo for Deputy Chief Justice
