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Food poisoning outbreak sparks unrest in Mangaung schools as parents demand accountability

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A severe food poisoning incident at Ihobe Primary School in Mangaung has sparked public outrage, leading to looting, police intervention, and urgent calls for improved food safety measures in schools.

On October 24, 47 children from Ihobe Primary were rushed to Pelonomi Hospital after allegedly consuming expired biscuits and chocolates. While all children were reported in stable condition, the community’s anger over safety standards at foreign-owned stores has escalated dramatically.

SABC News reported on November 8, that the aftermath of the incident saw parents, community members, and local leaders confront the Mangaung executive Mayor, Gregory Natis, demanding immediate action.

Reports indicate that residents have raised concerns about the quality and safety of food sold at foreign-owned stores in their communities, accusing them of supplying unsafe products that could pose serious health risks.

“We are tired, we are angry,” said one community leader addressing Natis, noting that this issue had been previously raised with local authorities last year without resolution.

The anger culminated in unrest and a wave of looting, particularly targeting foreign-owned spaza shops in Mangaung. Police arrested 29 individuals on charges of public violence related to the disturbances.

According to SABC News, law enforcement has since bolstered its presence in the area to prevent further escalation. Tensions remained high as locals demanded action from officials on the regulation of foreign-owned stores and better food safety monitoring.

The Gauteng Education Department also responded by suspending the sale of food in schools across the province in an effort to control the increasing cases of suspected food poisoning. The department issued a statement emphasising the need for stricter food safety protocols, requiring all vendors to hold certificates of acceptability.

Food stalls at schools are now subject to mandatory inspections, with officials pledging to improve food safety across all schools in the region.

In addition to Ihobe Primary, other schools across Gauteng have reported similar incidents. An earlier case in Soweto saw six children buried after a tragic food-related incident, while 110 pupils were recently hospitalised in Kagiso.

The cumulative incidents have led to intensified scrutiny on food vendors operating near schools, many of whom community members allege are supplying outdated or contaminated products.

The escalating situation reflects a broader concern over food safety, as government and school officials face increasing pressure to address the root causes of these poisonings. Parents in Mangaung, such as Nemba Ngali, have expressed distrust in the food supplied at schools and are now keeping their children at home for fear of further incidents.

One parent commented, “I decided not to bring them to school because one of my children had consumed those goods.” Local leaders have assured parents that discussions with the mayor and other officials are underway, and authorities will soon release a “proper statement” on planned interventions.

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