A Gr 4 learner from Moriting Primary School in Mankweng died after swallowing a pen lid. Photo: Google maps
POLOKWANE – A Gr 4 learner at Moriting Primary School in Mankweng died on Monday afternoon (April 14) after swallowing a pen lid.
The learner’s death was confirmed by the Limpopo Department of Education who reported that the child informed a teacher that he was struggling to breathe.
Education’s media liaison officer Matome Taueatsoala said immediate action was taken and the learner was rushed to hospital, but medical staff were unable to save him
“The department has dispatched psychosocial support teams to the family and the school community,” he said.
Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya expressed condolences, urging classmates and teachers to remain strong.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the learner’s family during this difficult and heartbreaking time. No parent must ever bury their child,” she concluded.
Raeesa Sempe is a Caxton Award-winning Digital Editor with nine years’ experience in the industry. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Media Studies from the University of the Witwatersrand and started her journey as a community journalist for the Polokwane Review in 2015. She then became the online journalist for the Review in 2016 where she excelled in solidifying the Review’s digital footprint through Facebook lives, content creation and marketing campaigns. Raeesa then moved on to become the News Editor of the Bonus Review in 2019 and scooped up the Editorial Employee of the Year award in the same year. She is the current Digital Editor of the Polokwane Review-Observer, a position she takes pride in. Raeesa is married with one child and enjoys spending time with friends, listening to music and baking – when she has the time. “I still believe that if your aim is to change the world, journalism is a more immediate short-term weapon." – Tom Stoppard
