Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed deep concern over a string of tragic incidents at Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ivory Park, where four learners allegedly took their own lives between April 26, 2024, and May 5, 2024.
The first incident involved a Grade 10 girl who consumed poison at home and sadly passed away despite efforts to save her. Tragically, a Grade 11 girl was found deceased at her home on May 2, 2024, also due to poisoning. Another Grade 11 boy, allegedly poisoned, passed away while receiving medical treatment on May 3, 2024. On May 5, 2024, a Grade 12 girl from the same school also allegedly consumed poison and died while being transported to a nearby clinic.
In response, the Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to Eqinisweni Secondary School to offer counseling to the school community and bereaved families.
The Gauteng Department of Education urges learners to seek support from available resources such as Childline and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG).
MEC Chiloane extended heartfelt condolences to the affected families and emphasized the need for bolstered mental health support services in schools, highlighting the successful partnership with SADAG in Tsakane.
In a separate tragic incident, a female educator from Thuto-Lore Secondary School in Sharpeville was found dead on May 4, 2024. The educator had been reported missing on May 3, 2024, and her lifeless body was discovered near her home at Dlomo Dam. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding her death.
The Psycho-Social Support Unit will also provide trauma support and counseling to the school community.
MEC Chiloane expressed grave concern over the safety of female educators and urged law enforcement agencies to swiftly apprehend the suspects while offering condolences to the school and the bereaved family.
