By Johnathan Paoli
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep sorrow over the tragic deaths of two learners from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School in Riverlea over the last two days, which has left the school community in mourning.
A Grade 7 learner was shot dead at his family’s home in Riverlea on Saturday by unknown assailants, with authorities now investigating the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death.
In an unrelated incident, a Grade 4 learner passed away on Monday, after reportedly falling ill from consuming biscuits purchased at a local spaza shop. Around 30 children have died in the province since the start of the food contamination crisis.
Emergency services were called to his home to provide medical care, but he was pronounced dead during the treatment.
Chiloane extended his heartfelt condolences to the grieving families and the broader school community.
“Indeed, we are saddened by these deaths and wish to convey our condolences to the families and the school community during this difficult time,” he said.
The department has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to Wilhelmina Hoskins to offer counselling and emotional assistance to learners, staff and affected families.
The support sessions will begin on Tuesday.
The investigation into the learner’s death will focus on determining whether the biscuits he consumed were contaminated and, if so, tracing the source of any potential health hazard.
Chiloane’s department has previously pledged to work with local leaders, law enforcement and health authorities to address these issues and ensure that learners have safe environments both at school and at home.
INSIDE EDUCATION
