Three dead after suspected food contamination at Limpopo funeral

Limpopo authorities investigate deaths and hospitalisations following alleged poisoning at weekend funeral gathering.

Three people, including a seven-year-old girl, have died following suspected food contamination at a funeral gathering in Mmotong-wa-Bogobe village outside Polokwane in Limpopo²³. More than 70 people were taken to hospital after consuming food allegedly laced with poison during the weekend funeral service¹².

Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba and police confirmed that official records indicate three deaths, not six as initially reported by local sources³⁴. Community members who attended the funeral at Ga-Maja began experiencing vomiting and diarrhoea between 18 and 20 April². Police spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said 42 people sought medical treatment at Lebowakgomo Hospital, with 38 admitted for further care².

Polokwane municipal ward councillor Jacob Ntlemo earlier stated that 74 people were affected, with two deaths from Ga Maja, one from Ga Mashashane, and three from Seshego¹. He said some patients admitted on the first day were discharged after their condition improved¹.

Ramathuba directed health authorities to expedite laboratory tests to determine the cause of the contamination³⁴. She said forensic pathologists have begun collecting stomach contents for toxicology analysis, and samples from hospitalised patients have been sent to laboratories³⁴. Now where we are sitting, we can indicate to you that forensic pathologists have started with their work to collect the stomach contents also for chemistry, so that we can test for any toxicology, Ramathuba said⁴.

Limpopo police commissioner Thembi Hadebe urged the community to remain calm while investigations continue². We extend our deepest sympathies to the families who have lost their loved ones during this tragic incident. 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, Hadebe said².

Police have opened inquest dockets and are consolidating related cases reported in other areas².