Lesufi concerned about deaths at schools this month
"It must be said, for many years, we have never undergone through such experience."
Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi released a statement on Friday about the death of learners and other incidents reported at schools the first week of February.
Lesufi said it is alleged that a 9 year-old Grade 3 learner at Radineo Primary School in Mabopane vomitted in the classroom on Tuesday and was subsequently rushed to the local clinic.
“Unfortunately, the said learner was certified dead on arrival. The police are still investigating.”
Lesufi said on the same day a Grade 8 boy learner at Bophelong Secondary died.
“Circumstances surrounding the death of the said learner is been investigated.”
Lesufi said that they also received a report that on Tuesday, a learner at Belvedere Special School passed away.
“It is alleged that, the said learner drank a poison, subsequently on arrival at home from school, he died approximately at 16:00.”
“Accordingly, doctors suspect organophosphate poisoning, however circumstances are being investigated.”
Lesufi said sadly, they received another report about the fourth death in a week.
It is alleged that a grade 1 learner at TN Kudube Primary in Hammanskraal died.
“Allegedly, the said learner was on Wednesday playing while awaiting for scholar transport. Miraculously, a goalpost collapsed on the learner who then struggled to breath. He was rushed to Jubilee Hospital, and later died.”
He added that the department’s psycho social team continues to conduct counselling at the schools and families.
Unfortunate Incidents in schools
“We were informed that, on 16 January a gate fell on learners, which resulted in three injured at Rivoningo Primary School in Soshanguve. All learners were rushed to a local hospital and discharged after receiving necessary medical attention
It is unfortunate, that this was also not reported on time which is regrettable.”
Lesufi said it is alleged that on Tuesday, a learner from Tshepisong Primary School was raped after school while waiting for transport.
He said the circumstances surrounding the case are being investigated and the necessary support provided to the learner.
“Another bullying incident at Nirvana School in Lenasia was brought to our attention on Tuesday, a video footage of the said incident was shared with the department, and as such necessary investigation continues.”
Lesufi said two boy learners were seen fighting on Tuesday at Lantern School after school.
“Fortunately, the boys were not severely injured.”
Lesufi said the learners were subjected to a disciplinary process.
Lesufi said on Tuesday a teacher was allegedly assaulted with sjamboks in full view of learners by two parents at Mayibuye Primary.
“Regrettably, a 57 year-old female educator has not been able to report for duty since Wednesday due to trauma.”
He added that the educator is receiving the necessary support from the employee wellness programme.
Lesufi said police are investigating the circumstances surrounding an incident in Roodepark High School.
“On Wednesday, another incident was reported where about four learners at Roodepark High School were fighting at about 12:50. All were issued with letters to appear before the disciplinary committee on Thursday.”
“While at it, on Wednesday, a report was filed that a car knocked down a wall at Lamontagne Primary School and unfortunately two grade R learners got injured, they were rushed to a local hospital and later discharged.”
Lesufi said the necessary support is being provided to the school and family.
In another case, a 12 year-old learner from Umzamo Primary school was raped by an unknown man as she walked home after a scholar transport bus broke down.
“We, have launched an investigation on why learners were allowed to walk home, decisive action will be taken accordingly.”
Lesufi said a girl learner from Leeuwport Primary School ran away from home on Thursday after losing the house key.
It is alleged she was afraid of her mother and the parents opened a case with the police on Friday.
Lesufi said they received a report that on Wednesday about 12 learners from Noordwyk High School were involved in a motor vehicle accident.
They were rushed to local hospitals and discharged after receiving medical attention.
“It is alleged, that a scholar transport taxi was driving on the wrong side of 3rd Road and drove through the steel gates of a complex Halfway House, Midrand, and into a wall of a house.”
He added that the driver was arrested by the Midrand police for reckless and negligent driving.
Our psycho-social team visited the school for the necessary counselling of all learners accordingly.
Lesufi said it is disappointing “that we have been disrupted in many schools”.
He appealed to community members not disrupt schooling but resort to available channels to resolve challenges.
“We wish to convey our sincere condolences to all bereaved families during this time of grief, indeed we started academic year 2020 on a bad note, we have been experiencing different deaths and unfortunate incidents in our school environment, It must be said, for many years, we have never undergone such experience, indeed we are under siege, and lost for words. This time around, we have no option but to call upon all spiritual denominations to come together and lead us in prayer, indeed we plead for divine intervention.”
READ MORE: Lesufi launches e-learning platform in north school
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