Gauteng School Community in Shock After Two Siblings Pass Away Due to Suspected Food Poisoning in Katlehong
In a heartbreaking incident, two siblings from Katlehong on the East Rand died shortly after consuming snacks purchased from a local spaza shop. The siblings, Hope Xaba, 9, and Owami Xaba, 6, were students at Sonqoba Primary School, where they were part of a recent food-borne illness outbreak among other learners.
Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the siblings experienced severe complications on the evening of Wednesday, November 5. They had shown signs of illness earlier in the week but were not taken to a medical facility for evaluation. Emergency services were called to their home on Wednesday night, but tragically, the siblings were declared dead upon arrival.
Sequence of Events and School Outbreak
According to Mabona, the Xaba siblings had fallen ill on Monday alongside other Sonqoba Primary School students due to a suspected food-borne illness. Although many affected students were treated and discharged from medical facilities that day, the Xaba siblings continued to experience symptoms. On Wednesday, after consuming snacks bought from a spaza shop, they suffered severe complications, ultimately leading to their deaths.
On Monday, a similar food poisoning incident also occurred at Setsing Primary School, where 29 students fell ill after consuming snacks bought from vendors inside the school. This series of incidents has sparked concern among parents and community members, who have expressed frustration over the safety of food sold in and around school premises.
Gauteng Government’s Response
The acting Premier and MEC for Roads and Transport, Kedibone Diale-Tlabela, is expected to visit the Xaba family and the family of another child who also reportedly died from suspected poisoning on Monday. The Gauteng Education Department has engaged with affected parents to address their concerns about food safety in local schools.
The tragic loss of Hope and Owami Xaba has left the Katlehong community mourning and calls attention to potential health risks associated with snacks sold by local vendors. Authorities are investigating the source of the food-borne illness to prevent further incidents.
