Tragic Death Of AZ Berman High School Pupil Tino Hanekom After Chest Pains In Mitchells Plain

A 14-year-old schoolboy with his future ahead of him has died after complaining of severe chest pains during the school day on Monday.

Tino Hanekom, a Grade 8 pupil at AZ Berman High School in Tafelsig, Mitchells Plain, became unwell while at school and was later rushed for medical attention.

His grieving father, Elton Hanekom, said he was overcome with emotion when he learned his son had been taken to a nearby clinic.

“He went to school and then he complained about something being wrong with his chest, he had severe pains in his chest. The first-aid guy checked out Tino, and then he said that he was in a lot of pain.

“Then the school took him to an aunt’s house, left him there, and told the aunt. She saw that he was in a bad state and rushed him to Tafelsig clinic.

“I only got notified through her at about 9.30am.”

Grade 8 Learner From AZ Berman High School Rushed To Clinic After Chest Pains

According to his father, Tino had lived with a lung condition since birth and was regularly treated at the Red Cross Children’s Hospital.

Hanekom described the frantic journey to reach his son after receiving the news.

“I was driving when I got the news, trying to rush to him, not knowing if he was going to make it. There were tears running down my face while driving in traffic.”

Despite efforts to get him medical assistance, Tino passed away shortly afterwards.

Western Cape Education Department Confirms Passing Of Mitchells Plain Pupil

Tino had once told his father he hoped to become a carpenter, following in his footsteps. However, his father had advised him against it because of his chest condition.

Describing his son, Hanekom said he was a friendly and remarkable young boy who was loved by those around him.

Western Cape Education Department spokesperson Millicent Merton conveyed condolences to the family and school community.

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“The WCED is deeply saddened to confirm the passing of a Grade 8 learner at AZ Berman High School yesterday morning.

“The learner experienced chest pains and was rushed to a medical facility, where he sadly passed away.”

The school community has been left mourning the loss of a young life cut short.