Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has appointed an independent team to establish the cause of death of two learners at a school in Katlehong.
The team is also expected to verify all available statements from the school and the parents of the learners.
The pair were pupils at Kumalo Primary School in Katlehong. The deceased pupils, a 10-year-old in Grade 4 and seven-year-old in Grade 1, were siblings.
It is alleged that on Tuesday, while in class, the Grade 4 pupil complained of experiencing stomach cramps and being nauseous. The pupil was taken to the local clinic.
Subsequently, the Grade 1 pupil also complained of similar symptoms as the older sibling, and was also rushed to the local clinic. Both pupils were unfortunately certified dead upon arrival at the clinic.
“It is important to note that an educator sent by the school to inform the family about the condition of the two siblings, witnessed a five-year-old at the family home complaining of similar symptoms.
“As a result, the five-year-old sibling was also rushed to the clinic, subsequently transferred to Thelle Mogoerane Hospital for urgent medical attention. He is in a critical but stable condition. The police are investigating this tragic incident,” said Lesufi.
Lesufi sent his condolences to the family of the deceased pupils. The department’s psychosocial unit has been dispatched to the school to provide counselling and pastoral care to the family of the deceased, as well as the school community.
“On behalf of the entire education fraternity in Gauteng, we would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased learners and wish them peace and comfort during this difficult time.
“We hope that the family will find comfort in the knowledge that we too share their loss. No words are enough to express our sorrow at the loss of a child,” said Lesufi. – SAnews.gov.za
