By Staff Reporter
GA-MAJA – Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba has called for calm following a tragic incident in which three people, including a 7-year-old girl, died in hospital after a suspected food poisoning outbreak linked to a funeral in Ga-Maja, Mmotong wa Bogobe.
Police reports indicate that several attendees began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea between 18 and 20 April 2026 after consuming food from the funeral. A total of 42 people were treated at Lebowakgomo Hospital, with 38 admitted for further medical care. Some patients have also been admitted to other facilities including Dilokong, Mankweng, Seshego and Botlokwa hospitals.
Preliminary findings suggest the young girl began showing symptoms on Sunday afternoon after consuming food brought from the funeral. The situation escalated, with fatalities confirmed by Monday, 20 April 2026.
Premier Ramathuba is expected to visit Lebowakgomo Hospital on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, where she will receive detailed reports from key stakeholders, including MEC for Transport and Community Safety Violet Mathye, SAPS, and MEC for Health Dieketseng Mashego.
The briefing will include findings from forensic pathology and laboratory investigations.
“This is a devastating situation we stand in solidarity with the community of Ga-Maja during this difficult time, seeking answers while prioritising the health of those still critical and hospitalised,” said Ramathuba.
The Premier will also visit Ga-Maja on Thursday, 23 April 2026, to engage directly with residents and bereaved families. The Department of Social Development is expected to deploy social workers to provide support to affected families.
Limpopo Provincial Police Commissioner Thembi Hadebe has also conveyed condolences and urged the community to allow investigations to proceed. Authorities say post-mortem examinations are underway to determine the exact cause of death.
Investigations are ongoing
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