The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) confirmed that learners implicated in the distribution of drug-laced food at Willowmoore High School in Benoni have been suspended.

Benoni City Times reports that this follows an incident earlier this month in which two learners collapsed and were subsequently hospitalised after allegedly consuming so-called ‘space cookies’ — muffins believed to have been laced with marijuana. Further investigations revealed that an additional 12 learners were involved.

“The department can confirm that protocol was activated at Willowmoore High School on the day of the incident.

“Two learners passed out due to suspected consumption of drug-laced food, their parents were alerted, and learners were taken to the hospital for medical intervention,” said GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona.

“Upon further investigation, it was found that twelve more learners were involved in the incident and were all referred to the South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (SANCA) for testing. Twelve of the 14 learners tested positive.”

Mabona said the learners who brought the drug-laced cookies to school have since been suspended pending the finalisation of their disciplinary hearing, which was scheduled for last Saturday.

Asked about preventative measures and policies in place to stop drugs or drug-laced food from entering school premises, Mabona said:

“At the core of the interventions is stakeholder mobilisation, collaboration with multi-disciplinary teams such as law enforcement and non-profit organisations like SANCA, to further increase access to support for our learners and families. Random search and seizure operations are also conducted, including awareness campaigns.”

He added that 12 of the 14 affected learners have been enrolled in a six-week outpatient programme with SANCA for ongoing counselling and regular testing, while the department has mobilised a psycho-social support team to assist the school.

“The school counsellor has already started counselling programmes. Furthermore, the district-based psycho-social support team met with all learners for support and will continue to assist the school with any intervention needed.”

Responding to whether the department plans to review safety and monitoring measures at schools in the district to prevent similar incidents, Mabona said the outcome of the case will guide further action.

Although the school policy allows learners to sell at school, parents are aware of the policies and procedures. With the involvement of SAPS on the matter, investigations and the outcome of the disciplinary process will determine further steps to be taken,” Mabona said.

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