By Betha Madhomu
Cape Town – Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Matome Chiloane, has expressed deep sorrow following the deaths of three learners from Evaton Primary School and one from Tsakane Secondary School on Monday.
The tragic events began around 08:00 AM at Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng, when a Grade 4 student, initially brought to the sick bay by his teacher, became unresponsive despite immediate medical assistance.
Emergency services and the student’s mother were called, but the situation worsened.
His siblings – a Grade 3 girl and a Grade 5 girl – also showed signs of distress and were brought to the sick bay, only to become unresponsive as well.
“All three learners were rushed to a nearby clinic, where, tragically, they were declared dead.
“The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident,” a statement said.
MEC CHILOANE HEARTBROKEN BY DEATHS OF THREE EVATON PRIMARY LEARNERS AND A TSAKANE SECONDARY LEARNER @EducationGP1
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, Mr Matome Chiloane, wishes to express his profound sorrow over the deaths of three learners from…
— Yusuf Abramjee (@Abramjee) August 12, 2024
In a separate incident, a Grade 8 student from Tsakane Secondary School in Ekurhuleni died after reportedly ingesting rat poison on school grounds.
The incident occurred during school hours when two Grade 8 girls consumed the poison.
“One of the learners collapsed and had to be carried to the school’s administration block, while the other, though visibly weak, managed to walk there.
“Emergency services and the learners’ parents were immediately contacted.
“Sadly, one of the learners was declared dead on school premises, while the other was rushed to a local medical facility for urgent care,” the statement said.
The police are also investigating the case.
Chiloane has urged learners facing emotional struggles to seek help from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) at their 24-hour helpline, 0800 68 78 88.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of these young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and school communities affected by these devastating incidents. Our psycho-social support team will be dispatched to provide necessary support to everyone involved during this difficult time,” said Chiloane.
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