Polokwane – Three people, including a seven-year-old girl, who attended a funeral in Ga-Maja, Mmotong wa Bogobe, Lebowakgom, in Limpopo, have died from suspected food poisoning.
Narrating events leading to the tragedy, spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said: “The Police received reports of multiple community members who attended a funeral allegedly experiencing symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea between 18 and 20 April 2026”.
Brigadier Mashaba revealed that 42 people who attended the funeral on Sunday, 19 April 2026, were treated at Lebowakgomo Hospital, with 38 admitted for further medical care.
“Tragically, three people in total, including a seven-year-old girl, have been certified dead in connection with the incident,” said Brigadier Mashaba.
“Preliminary information suggests that the child began showing symptoms on Sunday afternoon after consuming food brought from the funeral.”
The spokesperson said Investigations were ongoing, and police are working to consolidate all related cases, including those reported in other policing areas.
The Provincial Commissioner of Police in Limpopo, Lieutenant General Thembi Hadebe, has conveyed her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and the affected communities.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones during this tragic incident,” said Lieutenant General Hadebe.
“We appeal to the community to remain calm and allow the investigation to unfold, including the post-mortem processes, which will determine the exact cause of death.”
