Tragedy played out at Ratanda Primary and Khanya Lesedi Secondary schools in Ratanda on May 26.
Three siblings aged six, 13 and 16 died after consuming drinks allegedly poisoned by their father.
Preliminary reports indicate the father gave each of his five children drinks before they left for school.
One of the children did not consume any.
It was reported the other children started to feel sick soon after they reached school.
According to reports, two of the brothers died at school shortly after complaining of stomach pains. One of the brothers was rushed to a nearby hospital but died en route.
The fourth brother is in critical condition in hospital.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi expressed his devastation at the news of the tragic deaths of three boys.
Lesufi said, “I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the family, particularly the mother of the deceased learners.
“I further extend my condolences to friends, fellow learners and teachers of the learners, especially those who had witnessed these tragic incidents.”
The Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to the affected schools to offer counselling to the school community at large.
The services have also been offered to the bereaved family.
On May 27, Lesufi visited the two schools and spoke with compassion about the incident and how the three boys were ripped away in a blink of an eye.
Ntitisela Frans Mollo, principal of Khanya Lesedi Secondary School, said the past two days have been the most difficult he can remember.
Lesufi told teachers and parents present at the meetings, “This is truly a tragedy and I do feel we now need to stand together in times of need. We need to be there and be strong for the family, relatives, school friends and the community.
“I must extend my gratitude to Lesedi Local Municipality for working so closely with the schools and the Gauteng Provincial Government on the matter and allowing us to speak to the school children.”
Addressing the learners, Lesufi said, “In this time of sadness and tragedy we need to still look forward and opportunities need to be taken when they present themselves. Work hard and be a beacon of strength to your fellow learners and friends.”
After visiting both schools, the party that included the MEC, members of LLM and the media went to the home of the children’s mother to express their condolences.
Lesufi concluded, “We have made social workers available to help the family, relatives, school friends and teachers who need any help. We need to be strong and be there for the community who needs help to cope with the tragedy.”
It has come to light that the father tried to commit suicide after the incident but was not successful in his attempt. He is under police guard and has been charged with murder.
