An inquest has been opened and is being investigated by the Evaton police after three children died at Evaton Primary School in Evaton West, Ext 11, yesterday.

Police spokesperson Constable Thulisile Msibi says that at around 07:00, the deceased children (a 10-year-old boy, his 11-year-old sister, and their cousin, an eight-year-old girl) left their grandmother’s home to go to school.

“At around 08:00, the mother of the two siblings was called to the school after being informed that the children had collapsed. Upon her arrival, she discovered that all three children were unwell,” Msibi adds.

The children were then taken to Levai Mbatha Clinic in Evaton by ambulance but were declared dead on arrival.

Msibi says that according to the grandmother of the deceased children, they were well and had eaten porridge with milk before going to school.

“However, the school principal stated that one of the children told her that they had also eaten biscuits they received from their stepfather when they met him on their way to school.”

An inquest has been opened and is under investigation.

Meanwhile, Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation Matome Chiloane expressed sorrow over the deaths of the three learners.

“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of these young lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and school communities affected by this devastating incident. Our psychosocial support team will be dispatched to provide necessary support to everyone involved during this difficult time.”