Staff Reporter.
Gauteng Department of Education confirmed that at least 90 learners from Pulamadibogo Primary School in Soshanguve, Tshwane, have been rushed to local medical facilities after experiencing nausea, stomach cramps, and some vomiting from eating space cookies.
The department says the unsuspected bought the cookies, laced with dagga, from a street vendor on Wednesday.
The pupils, who range from Grade R to Grade 7 at Pulamadibogo Primary School, reportedly experienced nausea, stomach cramps and some vomiting.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona said the teachers contacted emergency services after witnessing strange behaviour from pupils.
“The learners consumed what looked like muffins, suspected to be laced with dagga (space cookies), which they bought from a street vendor on their way to school.
“All 90 affected learners were attended to by emergency services on the school premises. However, they were all subsequently rushed to different medical facilities where their condition would be monitored.”
“Police visited the school as this incident caused distress among parents, who also came as they were concerned about the safety of their children,” Mabona added.
The police have since managed to identify the street vendor.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane said, we call for patience from parents while investigations are under way and learners are recovering.”
“We implore learners to be vigilant of what they purchase and consume and cautious of who they purchase food from. We wish all affected learners a speedy recovery.”
In June, the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng demanded the establishment of proper vetting processes to keep cookies laced with drugs out of school grounds.