Community in Shock as Authorities Investigate Fatal Incident of the Three Children who Died
In a heartbreaking incident at Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng, Gauteng, three children have tragically lost their lives. The incident unfolded on August 12, 2024. The Gauteng police investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of three siblings from Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng and another Grade 8 pupil of Tsakane Secondary School on Monday.
The Gauteng Department of Education said the incident started at approximately 08:00 when the Grade 4 teacher took an ill boy to the sickbay department. According to the department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, the pupil showed no response after receiving immediate assistance. The emergency services and the pupil’s mother were immediately contacted.
Unfortunately, the sister of the pupil, a Grade 3 learner, was escorted to the same sick bay and reported eating pap and milk with biscuits at home. This poor girl later became unresponsive, followed by the third sibling, also a girl from Grade 5, who was found in the same lifeless state. Panic-stricken, the sickbay workers rushed the three children to a nearby clinic, where they were declared dead.
In an unrelated incident, a grade 8 pupil from Tsakane Secondary School in Ekurhuleni has died after allegedly ingesting rat poison during school hours. It is reported that two Grade 8 girls ingested rat poison on the school premises. One pupil collapsed and was carried to the administration block at the school, while the other managed to walk there despite being visibly weak.
The incident was immediately reported to emergency services and the pupil’s parents. One of the learners was pronounced dead in the school compound while another was rushed to a local medical facility where he was admitted for emergency care.
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was saddened by the loss of the young souls: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends and school communities affected by these devastating incidents.” He said a psychosocial support team will be dispatched to provide support during this sad time for all those affected.
He encouraged pupils to seek help from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group by calling their 24-hour helpline at 0800 68 78 88 if one is struggling or feeling overwhelmed. Mabona noted that SADAG would offer specific support to students, including sessions for Grade 12 learners in the lead-up to their preliminary examinations.
Conclusion
The tragic deaths of the three children from Evaton Primary School and the Grade 8 pupil from Tsakane Secondary School have left the community in mourning and grappling with unanswered questions. Central to this tragedy is the lingering inquiry into what the children consumed for breakfast that may have contributed to their untimely demise. As investigations continue, it is vital for authorities to uncover the facts surrounding this incident to ensure that such a heartbreaking event does not recur.
The Gauteng Department of Education’s commitment to providing support during this difficult time is commendable, but it must also extend to addressing the nutritional safety of meals provided to students. Community members, educators, and parents must work together to promote awareness and vigilance regarding children’s health and safety. In the aftermath of this devastating incident, it is crucial to seek clarity and implement measures that protect the well-being of all students, ensuring that schools remain nurturing environments where children can thrive without fear. The memories of these young lives should inspire collective action toward safeguarding the health of future generations.
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