Fears over ‘deadly’ new drug being sold to learners

The Department of Basic Education says it is tracing the origins of a video which shows a young boy who is suspected to have died after smoking a drug made from dagga and other additives.

Spokesperson Elijah Mhlanga says the department has received numerous reports of a dangerous substance being sold to learners, in some cases in tuck shops.

So far the substance has been reported in the North West province, Mpumalanga and Pretoria.

Mhlanga says police have confirmed that 14 people have been hospitalised since Sunday after smoking this unknown drug.

Whether that child died or not we are really concerned. We issued a warning yesterday to say to young people that drugs are not good for you, it doesn’t matter what combination of drugs it is.

— Elijah Mhlanga, Spokesperson at Department of Basic Education

Teachers have been complaining that it is hard to teach after lunch time because the learners seem to be high on something.

— Elijah Mhlanga, Spokesperson at Department of Basic Education

So please young people, stay away from these things because it is not good for you, it is not good for your life and your future.

— Elijah Mhlanga, Spokesperson at Department of Basic Education