Rat poison kills Grade 8 pupil at Tsakane Secondary
A Grade 8 pupil from Tsakane Secondary School in Ekurhuleni died on Monday after consuming what is believed to have been rat poison.
The Gauteng Department of Education confirmed the girl passed away on the school premises.
According to Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona, reports indicate that two Grade 8 girls allegedly ingested rat poison.
"One of the learners collapsed and had to be carried to the school’s administration block, while the other, though visibly weak, managed to walk there.
“Emergency services and the learners’ parents were immediately contacted. Sadly, one of the learners was declared dead on the school premises, while the other was rushed to a local medical facility for urgent care," Mabona said.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
This is the second time Tsakane Secondary has been struck by a similar incident.
In August last year, two girls passed away after ingesting poison.
“Following that incident, the department launched an action plan to address the high rate of suicides in schools, prompted by 40 suicide-related incidents in the previous academic year,” Mabona said.
“The action plan involves collaboration with various organisations, including the Matthew Goniwe School of Leadership and Governance, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group, Childline, the Teddy Bear Foundation, and the National Association of Child Care Workers.”
Education MEC Matome Chiloane has urged pupils to seek help if they are feeling overwhelmed.
"Support is available, and no one should face their challenges alone. SADAG will be offering targeted support for learners, including sessions for Grade 12 students as they prepare for their preliminary examinations.
“These sessions will cover critical topics such as managing exam stress, effective relaxation techniques, and ways parents can support their teenagers during this demanding period," Chiloane said.
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