Africa-Press – South-Africa. The Gauteng Department of Education is concerned about incidents of suicide and suicide attempts in the provinces’ schools after two pupils from Tsakane Secondary School in Brakpan, in the East Rand, died by suicide and several others are in hospital after attempting to take their lives.
According to Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona, two pupils and one general worker from the school died by suicide after taking poison at their homes. The children died on 7 and 8 August, and the worker on 18 August.
Mabona said four other pupils from the school attempted suicide by drinking poison and were recovering in hospital.
“Two girls in grades 8 and 12 died after consuming poison at their homes. On Tuesday, 8 August, the department heard that a Grade 8 boy brought poison to school and consumed it in full view of other pupils. He was immediately rushed to a local medical facility and is recovering,” he said.
“We are also aware of a video that has gone viral on social media showing two other girls being assisted to stand, with false reports that they also consumed poison, which is false.
“The video footage was captured on Monday during a community prayer at the school, in which some pupils were emotionally moved by the passing of their fellow learners. Therefore, it must be clarified that no pupil consumes poison and has died on school premises.”
Mabona said officials visited the school on Tuesday with law enforcement agencies and social workers.
“Necessary psychosocial support was provided to the pupils, and classes continued without disruptions. An employee wellness team will be deployed to support staff at the school. Indeed, these incidents are concerning. As such, a parents’ meeting will be facilitated on Sunday to address this concerning behaviour at the school,” he said.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane said authorities were gravely concerned by the goings-on at Tsakane Secondary School.
He said: “Pupils are encouraged to reach out to our officials and to interact with professionals for necessary assistance by calling Childline on 116. We wish to convey our condolences to the families of the deceased learners and one general worker, wishing that the entire school community finds peace during this time.”
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