By: Natasha Archary
A wave of confusion and shock has overcome the community of Sebokeng after 3 siblings died allegedly from consuming biscuits, pap and milk at home.
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the deaths of 3 learners from Evaton Primary School who fell sick at school.
According to information received from the Department, at 08h00 on Monday, 12 August the first sibling a Grade 4 boy was taken to the sick bay.
Despite immediate assistance, the learner was unresponsive. Emergency services and the boy’s mother were called.
Shortly after the boy’s sister, a Grade 3 learner was brought to the sick bay and mentioned they had eaten pap and biscuits with milk at home.
The girl soon became unresponsive.
Meanwhile, the third sibling, a girl in Grade 5 was also found unresponsive.
All 3 siblings were rushed to a nearby clinic where they were unfortunately declared dead.
An investigation into the 3 siblings’ deaths is underway.
In a separate incident, tragedy struck the Tsakane Secondary School community after
2 Grade 8 female learners had allegedly ingested rat poison.
One of the girls collapsed and died on the school premises, while the other was rushed to a local medical facility for urgent care.
Police are said to be investigating the matter.
Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane urged learners to seek help from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) if they are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, rather than turning to such actions.
“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.”
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