By Staff Reporter
KHUBVI-A tragic incident has shaken the Khubvi community in Thulamela Municipality, where a 13-year-old boy lost his life, and three others were hospitalized after consuming snacks on 23 October 2024.
The boy and three friends were offered crisps or puffs by a local shopkeeper, but shortly after eating them, they began experiencing complications.
The 13-year-old was rushed to William Eadie Health Centre in Tshidimbini, where he unfortunately passed away. His three friends were also affected and were taken to Donald Fraser Hospital, where they are reported to be in stable condition.
In response to this heartbreaking event, Limpopo Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba has expressed her deep condolences to the boy’s family. “We offer our deepest condolences to the family who has lost such a young and promising life. This is truly heartbreaking, and we mourn alongside the family,” said Premier Ramathuba.
The incident follows a worrying trend in Gauteng,Mpumalanga and Limpopo, where learners have been involved in similar incidents after consuming snacks.
In light of this, Premier Ramathuba has assembled an Inter-Ministerial Task Team, including the Departments of Health, Education, LEDET, Social Development, and the South African Police Service, to investigate and devise strategies to prevent such occurrences.
The task team is expected to provide recommendations, and the Provincial Executive Council will meet on Sunday, 27 October 2024, to act on the proposed measures.
Premier Ramathuba also urged parents and communities to be cautious about the foods their children consume, particularly from informal and unregulated spaza shops.
“We need to work together to ensure that children are not exposed to unsafe food products. Parents should be concerned about what their children are eating so we can address this growing issue,” she emphasized.
The community of Khubvi remains in mourning as investigations continue into the cause of the tragedy.
