LISTEN: ‘A difficult period for department’, says Lesufi after deaths of three brothers
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi says the department is in mourning after the tragic deaths of three brothers from Heidelberg.
The boys, who were between the ages of six and 16, passed away on Thursday morning after apparently consuming energy drinks.
Preliminary reports indicate the father gave all five his children energy drinks in the morning while they were preparing for school.
The fourth sibling is recovering at the hospital while the fifth did not consume the energy drink.
The boys were all pupils at Ratanda Primary and Khanya Lesedi Secondary Schools in Ratanda.
Lesufi visited schools on Friday.
He said it has been a difficult period for the department.
“It is the most difficult thing to do when families leave their children with us, and we have to go back to them and explain that they are no more. I was hurt, I remain hurt, and I think I will be like this for some time.
“To lose three children at the same time is not an easy thing, worse if they come from the same family and I felt let me come here, to share my grieve with you, sympathise with you, comfort you.”
Lesufi says professionals have been sent to both schools to provide support.
“I am even reluctant to even address learners because we don’t even know how they would react. We don’t even know whether we will be assisting them or worsening the situation, but there are professionals here who will monitor the situation and provide the necessary guidance and support to everyone who is affected.”
Listen to Lesufi below:
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