The family of a Grade 9 learner, who died after reportedly eating contaminated food at school in Mokopane demands justice. The deceased, a 15-year-old Grade 9 learner from Raleledu Senior Secondary School, had been admitted at hospital after eating food at the school. 52 other learners were treated and discharged.
The bereaved Seema family is still reeling from losing their daughter. Mmachuene Seema died after reportedly eating contaminated chicken livers from the school nutrition programme. It is reported that over 50 learners complained about the smelly livers during break-time, but nothing was done.
Some learners discarded the food, while others proceeded to eat during the lunch break. Affected learners complained of stomach pains and started vomiting. They were taken to George Masebe Hospital, where some were later treated and discharged.
Seema was admitted as she was in a serious condition. She later died. Seema family spokesperson, Matlakala Seema says they want investigations into the incident.
“We want justice and answers from the Department of Education. The department must do investigations into what caused our child’s death so that we can have closure.”
Furthermore, SGB chairperson at Raleledu Secondary School, Mapula Sebetha says they are still struggling to come to terms with what happened.
“We were having a meeting that’s when we heard the teacher shouting that the learners were not feeling well. They were rushed to the local clinic and then later to the hospital. We were very shocked am out of words.”
Second incident
Community members say this is the second incident to happen in the area. They say two weeks ago, over 70 learners from Masha Mabush Primary experienced similar problems. Community leader, Ditlhoriso Hlako blames negligence on school food inspectors.
“Someone must be held accountable because we feel someone was sleeping on duty. Where was the food inspector? Every school has an inspector who must check if the food is good to be eaten so there must be accountability and someone was sleeping on duty.”
Limpopo Education spokesperson, Matome Taueatsoala says they are investigating the matter.
“The MEC of Education in Limpopo Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya is sending her deepest condolences and her prayer to the bereaved family. This can never be something to be brushed off and an investigation will be conducted to find the root cause of what happened to our learners. Food poisoning is not something to be taken lightly when there is much awareness about unsafe food. When a young life is lost the future becomes bleak.”
The school has since discontinued the feeding programme. Meanwhile, the family wants help with burial costs.
