Pretoria - Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has sent his condolences after the passing of four family members in Olievenhoutbosch, north of Johannesburg.
The four family members -- including two learners, a Grade 1 learner from Olivenhoutbosch Primary and a Grade 11 learner at Steve Tshwete Secondary School -- are reported to have died after eating poisonous mushrooms prepared for dinner.
Both the mother and father of the learners died in the tragic incident.
“The department would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family, friends and the school communities of the deceased. May their souls rest in peace.
“We are indeed saddened by the loss of the members of the family, including our learners, as a loss of any learner is a huge blow to the development of South Africa as the future of our country lies in their hands,” MEC Lusufi said after visiting the family on Tuesday.
The deceased are survived by one family member, who is still of school going age. The department will consult the Department of Social Development to find a way of assisting the child. – SAnews.gov.za
