Tragedy strikes Lawley: Girl dies from alleged food-borne illness
The GDE has dispatched its psycho-social support team to provide trauma support and counselling to the school community. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
The community of Lawley has been left shaken after 10-year-old Yanelisa Sisanda Gama, succumbed to an alleged food-borne illness. The grade five pupil from Motheo Foundation Primary in Lawley became ill and was rushed to Ennerdale Extension 8 Clinic, where she sadly passed away.
According to Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson, Steve Mabona, it is alleged that Yanelisa consumed repackaged snacks. This death is among the passing of at least 22 children, who have died from food-borne illnesses across South Africa since September 2024. This now totals 890 reported food-borne illness incidents across all provinces, which led to this illness being declared a national disaster.
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The GDE has dispatched its psycho-social support team to provide trauma support and counselling to the school community. The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
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The community of Lawley 2 and the school will host memorial services for the child. The community memorial will take place at Lawley at 5pm on Wednesday, November 27, while the school memorial will be held at Motheo Foundation Primary School at 10am on the same day. The funeral service will be on Friday, November 29, at the her home in Lawley 2 (Kokotela).
The GDE has extended its deepest condolences to the Yanelisa’s family and the school community during this difficult period.
