Pupils collapse at school

ALEISHA TISSEN, ROD SKINNER AND SAPA

JOHANNESBURG - Another scene of hysteria was experienced at the prayer meeting held at the Windsor Secondary School in Ladysmith yesterday.

The prayer gathering came as a result of Thursday’s panic when about 90 pupils from the school had to be rushed to the Ladysmith Provincial Hospital after some began experiencing dizzy spells, fainting, breathing difficulties, convulsions and foaming at the mouth.

Local religious leaders were on the scene yesterday to cast out what they say were demons after some of the pupils claimed they saw huge serpents.

Yesterday’s meeting saw about 15 pupils collapse and begin foaming at the mouth and convulsing during the prayer service which was attended by about 250 people.

Paramedics on scene treated those affected but declined to take them to hospital because the attacks were spiritual in nature.

Those present at the meeting included Town Mayor Dudu Mazibuko and several priests.

The school has called on religious leaders to congregate there today.

According to Sapa, a similar incident was reported in 2007 at Mahlenga High School in northern KwaZulu-Natal when classes were disrupted when pupils began crying and screaming.

Classes at Windsor Secondary School are expected to resume today.