The Gauteng Department of Education has raised concern after 15 pupils were hospitalised after eating cannabis-laced edibles also known as ‘space cakes’. Several school pupils from two different schools landed in hospital after eating “space cakes” and this has prompted the Gauteng MEC Panyaza Lesufi to raise concern in the increased consumption of dagga-infused cakes by school pupils.
Lesufi said 11 grade 12 learners from Randfontein High School, west of Johannesburg were rushed to hospital on Thursday after they began showing signs of being sick. “Two learners were returned home while nine were taken to hospital. One learner was in a critical condition and became stable at a later stage.
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“It was established that these learners consumed ‘space cakes’ sold by another grade 12 learner, who is now facing suspension as a result of breaking the school’s code of conduct and endangering the lives of his fellow learners,” Lesufi said.
In a separate incident, four grade 12 learners from Mamellong Secondary School in Tsakane, Ekhuruleni were also hospitalised after consuming ‘space cakes’ on their way to extra classes on Saturday. “We are really concerned and dissatisfied at the ongoing consumption of these ‘space cakes’ whereafter learners become sick and are often hospitalised.
“We urge learners to refrain from purchasing or consuming unknown substances that put their health and lives at risk. The conditions of these learners are being closely monitored to ensure their speedy recovery and safe return to their families,” Lesufi said.
Source: News24, Times Live, The Citizen, image from Times Live
