Cannabis-Infused Muffins Distributed to Ninety South African Schoolchildren

Around ninety primary schoolchildren in South Africa were hospitalized after consuming muffins suspected to be laced with cannabis. According to officials, the students purchased these muffins from a street vendor while on their way to Pulamadibogo Primary School, situated northwest of Pretoria. The children experienced symptoms such as nausea, stomach pain, and vomiting, with three girls still receiving medical treatment in the hospital. The suspects, aged 21 and 19, have been arrested and will face charges of attempted murder. The case will be presented before Soshanguve Magistrate's Court on Friday, as confirmed by the police. The Gauteng provincial education department reported that the teachers had alerted the ambulance after noticing unusual behavior among the children in class. This incident has deeply worried parents about the safety of their children. Police are conducting a toxicology report to confirm the presence of cannabis in the muffins. Out of the 90 affected pupils, approximately 87 have been discharged from nearby medical facilities, as mentioned by the education department. The statement further added that only three girls remain in the hospital, receiving the necessary medical attention. Earlier this year, the Democratic Alliance (DA) party pushed for improved vetting procedures for street vendors. This action was taken following a previous incident where eight children were hospitalized after consuming 'space cookies' purchased outside their school. The party's spokesperson, Khume Ramulifho, intends to pressure the provincial government to enhance safety measures within schools.