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WENDY MOTHATA
THREE Heidelberg learners have died after allegedly being poisoned by their father.
Preliminary reports by the Education Department allege that the father of the three deceased gave all his five children energy drinks laced with poison, resulting in three of their deaths.
The man also allegedly poisoned the family dog.
Gauteng’s Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi, has expressed his devastation at the news of the tragic
deaths of three (3) boy learners – all siblings who passed away on the morning of Thursday 26 May 2022.
The boys are aged 6, 13, and 16 and were learners at Ratanda Primary and Khanya Lesedi
Secondary Schools in Ratanda, respectively.
“Preliminary reports allege that the father of the three deceased gave all his five children energy drinks
in the morning while they were preparing for school. Four of the said learners consumed the energy
drink after arriving at school,” the statement said.
“On Thursday, 26 May 2022. Sadly, two of the said learners died shortly at the school after complaining
of stomach pains while one was rushed to the nearest hospital but died on the way. The fourth sibling is
in a critical condition at the hospital while the fifth, fortunately, did not consume the energy drink.”
“Firstly, I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the family, particularly the mother, of the
deceased learners. I further extend my condolences to friends, fellow learners and teachers of the
learners, especially those who had witnessed these tragic incidents,” MEC Lesufi said.
At this stage it is not known what led to the deaths and law enforcement agencies are investigating
circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to the affected
schools to offer counselling to the school community at large. The services have also been offered to the
bereaved family.
“I am saddened to learn about a father, who this morning allegedly poisoned his 4 children. 2 children
died in our school premises while the 3rd died on his way to hospital. The 4th child is in a critical
condition at the local hospital. My sincerest condolences,” Lesufi said.
“I will visit the affected two schools and the family of the deceased tomorrow morning. Our psycho-
social team was at the school today to offer counseling and support to our school community. The
affected schools are in Ratanda, Heidelberg, Sedibeng Region.”
INSIDE EDUCATION
