MBOMBELA – Condolences have been pouring in on social media after the death of a grade eight pupil of Lowveld High School (LHS) in Mopani Pharmacy at Crossing Shopping Centre on Monday.
Neither the school, Department of Education nor the police would disclose the boy’s identity, but he had been named as Jacky Mamba (14) in WhatsApp messages that were sent to personnel of Lowveld High to inform them of the incident.
The boy collapsed during a game of soccer at St Mark’s School, which is next to Nelspruit Rugby Club, and coaches rushed him to Mopani.
Paramedics were called but he was declared dead at Mopani.
A post-mortem was performed on the boy on Tuesday. Police spokesman, Capt Dawie Pretorius, said he couldn’t disclose the cause of death. The investigation into his death first had to be completed.
The following message appeared on LHS’s Facebook page: “LHS would like to express our condolences to the family and friends. We pray for comfort for your coach and teammates, teachers and classmates. A heartfelt thank you to Mopani Pharmacy for their prompt assistance as well as Mr Nkuna, Mr Nyathi and the staff of St Marks for their assistance. Thank you for all the prayers and messages”.
Mr Jasper Zwane of the provincial Department of Education, said the department had arranged counselling sessions for learners and teachers who witnessed the tragedy.
“The department takes this time to convey its deepest condolences to the family, school and to anyone who is directly or indirectly affected by this sad news. May the soul of the departed rest in peace.”
Mopani Pharmacy would not comment “due to the sensitivity of the matter”. “We would like to respect the family during this difficult time,” said Ms Melanie Jackaman of the pharmacy.
