Gauteng Education MEC saddened by pupil suicides

The Gauteng Education Department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit will be dispatched to provide assistance in both cases.

The student and teacher were allegedly involved in a heated argument that turned violent. Picture: iStock

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed deep sadness after two pupils committed suicide in Gauteng on Monday morning.

In the first incident, a grade 10 learner was discovered hanging in a dormitory at the Soshanguve Secure Centre during lunch.

It is understood the learner had been taken to the juvenile centre about two weeks ago and was awaiting trial.

In a separate incident, a grade 9 pupil from Kgetsi Ya Tsie Secondary School tragically took his own life at home.

Chiloane said the Gauteng Education Department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit will be dispatched to provide assistance in both cases.

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“These incidents serve as a grim reminder that the emotional well-being of learners is a shared responsibility that requires immediate attention from all of us. As we mourn the loss of young lives, there is a growing determination to prevent future tragedies and to foster a culture of support, compassion, and understanding within the educational community.

“We wish to extend our condolences to families and school communities” said Chiloane.

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Police probing death of student at Queens High School

Meanwhile, the Gauteng Education Department said police are probing the circumstances surrounding the death of Queens High School grade 9 pupil Brian Ndlovu.

Ndlovu passed away on 31 July after returning from school complaining of stomach cramps.

He was rushed to a local medical facility and later certified dead.

Ndlovu’s family suspect bullying as a contributing factor after matriculants at the school allegedly gave him rat poison in the school’s toilets.

Chiloane who visited Queens High School in Johannesburg on Monday said a police investigation would provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the death of Ndlovu, adding the department and school were co-operating “fully from day one” with the probe

According to preliminary findings there were no reports of bullying involving Ndlovu.

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