The two empty energy drink bottles allegedly purchased and consumed by Mpilo Siyamthanda Shezi shortly before he collapsed in KwaMashu. The 13-year-old was later declared dead at a local clinic, and police have opened an inquest into the circumstances surrounding his death. A medical doctor has warned that energy drinks are not suitable for children.
A medical practitioner has issued a strong warning against the consumption of energy drinks by children and teenagers following the death of a 13-year-old KwaMashu pupil who reportedly collapsed after drinking an energy beverage.
Dr Nkosinathi Shabalala told the Sunday Tribune's sister newspaper, Isolezwe that energy drinks are not recommended for anyone under the age of 18 due to the potentially harmful effects of their high caffeine and sugar content.
His warning comes after the death of Mpilo Siyamthanda Shezi, a Grade 7 pupil at Zamokuhle Primary School in KwaMashu's D Section. The teenager reportedly collapsed and died shortly after consuming a 300ml bottle of Reboost energy drink that he had purchased from a local shop.
According to information relayed to his family by friends, Mpilo had allegedly consumed a second energy drink later in the day after drinking another earlier that morning.
