16 Tembisa pupils discharged from hospital after consuming atchar

JOHANNESBURG - The 16 Tembisa school learners who were hospitalised after consuming atchar on Wednesday, have been discharged. 

The learners were admitted after displaying symptoms of drowsiness and vomiting. 

They allegedly fell ill after consuming atchar purchased from two fellow learners. 

Atchar is a South Asian pickle made from vegetables, meats or fruits preserved in brine, vinegar, spices and edible oils.

Six of the 16 learners from Emmangweni Primary School in Tembisa returned to school on Thursday.

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It's understood two Grade 7 learners were selling the atchar on behalf of a community works programme employee, based at the school. 

"We can confirm all the children who were admitted yesterday [Wednesday] from Emmangweni Primary School were discharged. All of them are with their families. About six learners managed to come to the school. Meanwhile, majority could not come to school," said Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona.

Tembisa police have registered an inquiry, which is currently under investigation.