A disturbing incident has jolted Johannesburg’s private education sector after Spark Schools discovered that coffee and milk at its Rosebank support office were deliberately contaminated with terbufos-a highly toxic pesticide. This same chemical was responsible for the deaths of 22 children in 2023. This includes six from Naledi, Soweto, who died after eating tainted snacks from a local spaza shop.
Staff first became suspicious when someone noticed an unusual smell in their coffee. Toxicology tests later confirmed the presence of terbufos. This prompted Spark Schools to launch an internal investigation and open a criminal case with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
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Deliberate Tampering Confirmed
In an email to staff, CEO Earl Sampson didn’t mince words, calling the incident a “serious breach” of the school network’s core values.
“On two separate occasions, evidence pointed to deliberate tampering with communal food items. Specifically, the coffee and milk meant for office use,” Sampson wrote.
He reassured employees that management was treating the matter with the highest level of urgency and had already taken precautionary steps to protect staff safety.
What Is Terbufos?
The World Health Organisation classifies terbufos as “extremely hazardous.” Although banned in the European Union, it remains legal in South Africa and is often used in agriculture. Even small amounts of this organophosphate insecticide can cause severe symptoms, including nausea, respiratory distress, vomiting, and-in high doses-death.
Retrenchment Rumours Spark Speculation Over Motive
Although the investigation is ongoing, speculation around the motive continues to swirl. Some employees believe the poisoning could be tied to internal dissatisfaction after the company announced the possible retrenchment of up to 195 positions across its network.
A staff member, speaking under anonymity, described the mood in the office as anxious and uneasy.
“It’s terrifying to think someone among us might be so angry or hopeless that they’d resort to something this extreme,” they said. “I’ll never trust anything from the office kitchen again.”
In a letter dated 14 April, Emma Thomas, Spark’s Head of Human Capital, warned staff about looming changes due to financial pressures. With enrolment figures lower than expected and issues around school fee collections, the organisation flagged a possible restructuring that could impact departments like IT, finance, facilities, and even academic roles in both primary and high schools.
“Despite having cash reserves, the current cost structure isn’t sustainable,” Thomas wrote. “Redundancy may be unavoidable.”
Police and Internal Investigations in Full Swing
Spark Schools wasted no time in notifying the SAPS. Gauteng police spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Mavela Masondo confirmed the school had opened a case at the Rosebank police station. Authorities are actively investigating, with updates expected once the case docket is reviewed.
Public relations spokesperson Nicola Honey, speaking for Spark via ByDesign Communications, said the school is cooperating fully with police and prioritising the wellbeing of its employees.
“To protect the integrity of the investigation, we cannot share further details at this point,” Honey said.
Stricter Safety Measures Enforced
In the meantime, Spark Schools has told all support office employees to bring their own coffee, milk, and similar supplies to work. The move is a temporary safeguard as management explores safer alternatives for communal kitchens.
CEO Sampson urged staff to remain alert and report any suspicious behavior.
A Stark Reminder About Workplace Safety
This incident shines a harsh spotlight on workplace safety and the emotional toll that restructuring can have on staff morale. Whether or not the poisoning was motivated by job loss fears, the case illustrates the real dangers of unresolved internal tension. This underscores the need for both physical safety and emotional support in high-stress work environments.
For now, Spark Schools remains under intense scrutiny as investigators search for answers. The school network’s priority is clear. This is to restore trust, secure its staff, and prevent a similar breach from ever happening again.
