Gauteng police are investigating the deaths of four schoolchildren on Monday. The tragic incidents involved three siblings from Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng and a grade 8 pupil from Tsakane Secondary School in Ekurhuleni.
The Gauteng Department of Education has expressed deep sorrow over these tragic losses. The incident at Evaton Primary School began around 8 am when a grade 4 teacher noticed a boy feeling unwell and brought him to the sick bay.
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According to department spokesperson Steve Mabona, despite prompt intervention, the child was unresponsive. Emergency services and the pupil’s mother were immediately contacted.
Shortly thereafter, the boy’s grade 3 sister was brought to the sick bay, mentioning that they had eaten pap, milk, and biscuits at home.
She also became unresponsive soon after. A third sibling, a grade 5 girl, was found in a similar state. All three children were rushed to a nearby clinic, where they were sadly declared dead.
Separately, a grade 8 pupil from Tsakane Secondary School reportedly ingested rat poison and died during school hours.
Two grade 8 girls allegedly consumed the poison on school premises. One of them collapsed and was carried to the administration block, while the other, though weakened, managed to walk there. Emergency services were contacted, but one girl was pronounced dead on-site, and the other was taken to a medical facility for urgent care.
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Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed profound grief over the loss of young lives. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and school communities affected by these devastating incidents,” said Chiloane. The department’s psychosocial support team will be dispatched to provide necessary emotional support.
Steve Mabona mentioned that the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) would extend specialized assistance, including sessions for grade 12 students preparing for their exams. He emphasized the importance of pupils seeking help from SADAG by calling their 24-hour helpline on 0800 68 78 88 rather than turning to such tragic actions.
