By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The sixth Naledi, Soweto child who had been hospitalised over suspected food poisoning from a local spaza shop has died.
This was confirmed during the funeral service of four of the five kids who also died of food poisoning.
While five of his friends succumbed to the poisoning on Sunday, 6 October, Katlego Olifant passed away on Sunday, 13 October.
He was in Grade 1 at Karabo Primary school.
Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane said the entire school community was devastated.
“Indeed, this is sad news. We wish to convey our deepest condolences to family and the school community. The department will provide psycho-social support to the families, learners, and staff during this incredibly difficult time,” Chiloane said.
The topic of food poisoning was highlighted by the Gauteng Department of Education in February, following the death of a six-year-old Gr 1 learner from Mandlethu Primary School, declared dead by paramedics after she started vomiting in class.
This incident happened simultaneously with that of four children aged two, three, six and nine, who were admitted at the Pholosong Regional Hospital in Tsakane, following a suspected food poisoning incident.
One of the glaring characteristics of the food poisoning scourge is that when it surfaces, it strikes multiple times.
The Naledi incident that claimed the lives of two boys occurred in early October last year, along with several other food poisoning incidents.