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By Johannah Malogadihlare
Three siblings from Evaton Primary School and a pupil from Tshakane Secondary school in Sebokeng, Ekurhuleni have tragically passed away following an unconfirmed medical condition and a possible suicide.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed on Monday, the incident unfolded at around 08:00 in the morning when a Grade 4 class teacher brought a sick boy learner to the sick bay.
Mabona said despite immediate assistance, the learner was unresponsive and emergency services and the learner’s mother were called.
The second sibling, a Grade 3 girl learner was also rushed to the sick bay; mentioned that she ate pap, milk and biscuits at home, and soon became sick and unresponsive.
A third sibling, a Grade 5 girl learner was similarly found unresponsive.
All three learners were taken to a nearby clinic where they were declared dead.
Gauteng police are investigating the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane on Monday expressed his shock and grief at the sudden death of the Grade 8 learner from Tshakane Secondary School.
Reports indicate that the incident took place during school hours when two Grade 8 learners allegedly ingested rat poison on the school premises.
According to spokesperson Mabona, one of the pupils collapsed and had an administration block, while the other, though visibly weak, managed to walk there.
“Emergency Services and the learner’s parents were immediately contacted. Sadly, one of the learners was declared dead on the school premises, while the other was rushed to a local medical facility for urgent care,” Mabona said.
Chiloane strongly encouraged learners to seek help from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) through their 24-hour helpline 0800 6888 88.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and school communities affected by these devastating incidents,” Chiloane said.
In addition, SADAG also supports learners who are in Grade 12 to prepare for their Preliminary Examination, and might be suffering from stress and anxiety.
Mabona confirmed that a psycho-social support team has been dispatched to provide the necessary support to everyone involved in the tragic turn of events.
INSIDE EDUCATION