GQEBERHA – KwaZakhele Detectives are investigating an inquest following the death of a 9-year-old boy, who was admitted to Dora Nginza Hospital yesterday, 1 June.

The Eastern Cape Department of Health spokesperson Siyanda Manana confirmed that the boy arrived at the hospital already deceased. “The matter was reported to the Police and the Municipality’s Environmental Health for further investigation,” he said.

SAPS spokesperson Captain Sandra Janse Van Rensburg stated that according to information received, the child allegedly purchased an ice pop from a local shop and later consumed it at his residence.

“It is alleged that shortly thereafter, family members found him lying on the ground and observed that he had vomited,” she said. “Community members assisted in transporting the child to hospital, where he received medical treatment.”

At this stage, Janse Van Rensburg said, “The exact cause of death remains unknown and will only be determined after a post-mortem examination has been conducted.”

She added that SAPS has opened an inquest docket to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The South African Police Service has also engaged Environmental Health Practitioners from the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality, who are assisting with the investigation,” she said.

Janse Van Rensburg noted that no further similar incidents or cases have been reported to the police or health authorities at this stage.

“SAPS urges members of the public to refrain from speculation and the spreading of unverified information on social media,” she said. “It cannot be confirmed at this stage that the child’s death was caused by the ice pop or any product purchased from the shop.

“Any claims linking the death to a specific cause remain unverified pending the outcome of the investigation and post-mortem examination. The investigation is ongoing,” she concluded.

ALSO READ: 7 children fall ill after suspected food poisoning in Eastern Cape