Nine Grade 3 learners from Joas Phahlela Primary School in the northern part of Vhembe, near Saselamani, have been discharged from hospital after allegedly eating rat poison on Wednesday, 4 March. The learners were taken to hospital and kept overnight for observation before being released the following day.
Limpopo Department of Education spokesperson Mike Maringa confirmed that the learners had been admitted to hospital after the incident. “It is true that the learners were admitted after eating rat poison. They were kept at the hospital overnight for observation and were later discharged,” said Maringa.
The learners were reportedly attended to quickly and transported to Malamulele Hospital for medical treatment. It is not yet clear how the learners gained access to the rat poison. The incident has raised concerns about safety measures at the school and how hazardous substances are stored on school premises.
Neil Shikwambana, spokesperson for the provincial health department, said the learners complained of abdominal pain after it was suspected that they had ingested a poisonous substance. “They were treated and observed overnight and discharged the following day,” said Shikwambana.