In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Katlego Olifant, a 7-year-old from Naledi, Soweto, passed away on Sunday morning after a week-long battle in the intensive care unit of Lesedi Hospital.
He was one of six children who tragically consumed what is believed to be poisoned snacks.
His death was confirmed during a mass funeral held for the other five children at the Naledi Community Hall, marking an unthinkable sorrow for the community.
The circumstances surrounding this tragedy have sent shockwaves through the local schools involved — Karabo Primary School and Khauhelo Primary School — where three of the learners hailed from.
In a grim scene, scores of grief-stricken family members and friends gathered in the packed hall on Sunday to bid farewell to their beloved children, struggling to comprehend a loss that has cut deeply into the heart of their community.
Annie Makhafola, the MMC for Health and Social Development, attended the solemn ceremony, reflecting the broader societal impact of the incident.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane also addressed the community in a statement, revealing the heartache caused by this devastating event.
“In a heartbreaking development, today also marked the mass funeral of the five other learners who lost their lives in the same suspected food poisoning incident,” he stated. “The entire school community is devastated by these tragic losses, and our thoughts and prayers are with the affected families.”
The five children are remembered as vibrant souls — Zinhle Masilela, Isago Mabote, Monica Sathege, Njabulo Msimango, and Karabo Rampou — each having brought laughter and joy into their families.
The sombre and emotional gathering echoed with the sounds of grief as parents lamented the dreams they had for their children’s futures.
Family spokesperson Busi Mnguni spoke passionately about the responsibility parents hold in ensuring their children’s safety, urging them to even be more vigilant.
“We urge parents to pay attention to their children. They need to be aware of their whereabouts,” he implored, highlighting the vital need for awareness in today’s world.
The grim reality of this incident raises unsettling questions about the food safety in schools and the safeguards in place to prevent such tragedies. As the Naledi community grapples with its collective grief, calls for accountability and support have emerged, with local officials pledging to provide psycho-social assistance to those affected during this incredibly trying time.
With investigations said to be still ongoing, Otlotlile Msimango described her child as a happy soul.
“When I got there, there was Zinhle, another child who (had) already (eaten) the poison. So, they were trying to save Zinhle’s life and then my son also was there. They put a drip on him, they tried their best. Unfortunately, our children couldn’t fight the poison,” she said.
She added that the doctors confirmed the type of poison that was found in the children’s system.
“When they confirmed the poison, they said ‘we found a rat poison in your children’s system’. My son was lying there lifelessly, together with that child. I couldn’t believe what I was looking at, to look at my son with no voice. Such a happy child, he was unable to talk to me,” she said.
The Star