Rundu: Twenty-eight learners from Katjinakatji Senior Secondary School in the Kavango West Region were treated at the Rundu State Hospital on Monday following a suspected food poisoning incident at the school hostel. All affected learners are reported to be in a stable condition and have been discharged. According to Namibia Press Agency, school principal Sebedeus Sihungu informed that more than 30 learners initially received medical attention at the Katjinakatji clinic, with 28 later transported to Rundu State Hospital for further treatment. Sihungu suspects that the illness was caused by a hostel meal consisting of bread and processed meat (polony) served on Sunday evening. Shortly after the meal, learners began experiencing stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea, which led to frequent trips to the toilets. Sihungu suggested that the food might have been spoiled due to the unstable electricity supply in Katjinakatji village, where power outages can last up to four hours. This issue has been reported to the regional directorate of education, emphasizing the urgent need for a backup generator at the hostel. Concerns have also been raised about the food supplier, who was expected to deliver supplies a day before cooking but instead delivered on Friday. Sihungu noted that the school has received spoiled food on several occasions. The supplier operates with only one truck that services multiple schools across the region, often covering long distances. The truck lacks a cooling system, which is problematic given the humid conditions in the area. Sihungu stated that a detailed report on the incident will be submitted to the regional directorate of education.