Four high school pupils die of suspected poisoning in Ivory Park

Four high school pupils die of suspected poisoning in Ivory Park

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) says it is alarmed after four high school pupils from Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ivory Park in Johannesburg died of alleged suicide in just a few days.

Two more kids die of ‘food poisoning’ in Gauteng
iStock

The alleged suicides happened between 26 April and 5 May 2024.


The victims are a grade 10 girl, a grade 11 girl, a grade 11 boy and a grade 12 girl.


According to the GDE, all died of suspected poisoning at their respective homes.


Spokesperson for the Department, Steve Mabona, says social workers have been sent to provide counselling to the school community as well as the respective families.


“According to information at our disposal, the first incident occurred on Friday, 26 April 2024. It is alleged that a Grade 10 girl learner drank poison at home. She was rushed to a local clinic, where she was unfortunately declared dead.”


Mabona says six days later, on 2 May, a Grade 11 girl was found dead at home by her parents.


“It is alleged she also tragically took her own life by consuming poison.”


The next day, on 3 May, a Grade 11 boy was rushed to hospital after allegedly having consumed poison. He passed away while receiving medical treatment.


“On Sunday, 5 May 2024, a Grade 12 girl learner also allegedly drank poison at home and sadly passed away while being transported to a nearby clinic.


He says Department is urging learners to reach out to support structures and resources we have made available in instances where they might be facing any challenges. Such structures include Childline, which can be contacted by dialing 116."


Meanwhile, police are investigating the death of a teacher from Thuto-Lore Secondary School in Sharpeville who was found dead over the weekend.


"The educator did not report to work on Thursday; subsequently, a missing persons case was filed at a local police station on Friday. Sadly, her lifeless body was allegedly found on Saturday at Dlomo Dam near her home.


"Our Pscyho-Social Support Unit will also be deployed to the school to provide necessary trauma support and counselling."


ALSO READ

LISTEN TO more news Jacaranda
Jacaranda FM

Show's Stories