The Ramosadi community near Mahikeng in the North West is reeling in shock, following the death of an eight-year-old girl, in what is suspected to be food poisoning. The eight-year-old and her 10-year-old sibling allegedly complained of stomach cramps at school last Friday.
The provincial health department says preliminary reports show that organophosphate, which is mostly used in the agricultural sector as a pesticide and insecticide, might have been the cause of death. The siblings reportedly ate snacks bought from one of the hawkers in Ramosadi village.
Some community members are urging parents and caregivers not to give children money to take to school, arguing it’s the only way to protect them from harmful food sold in nearby spaza shops and by street vendors.
“Parents, my only advice is this: let’s stop giving children money to buy from spaza shops when the school is already providing meals. In my view, all children should be eating the food prepared by the school.” One community member weighed in.
WATCH: North West | Child dies from suspected food poisoning
