37 children hospitalised in Welkom after consuming suspicious cookies

About 37 children from Daluvuyo Primary School were treated at Bongani Regional Hospital this morning after presenting with itchy skin and other related symptoms. The children are suspected to have consumed cookies laced with unknown tablets, raising concerns over the potential hazards involved.

According to Mondli Mvambi, spokesperson for the Free State Department of Health the affected children were seen at Bongani Regional Hospital and released with medication.

“We advise parents to bring their children back if there are any changes in their condition for further treatment,” said Mvambi.

The department has dispatched Environmental Health Practitioners to investigate the area, aiming to gather evidence related to the cause of the children’s symptoms. “Our priority is to identify anything in the environment that could endanger lives, especially those of children,” added Mvambi.

Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.

Compiled by Justine Fortuin