Ecstasy blamed for party pupil’s death
Pupils from Matinta Secondary School in Mariannhill gathered at Reunion Park to celebrate the end of the school term.
Isipingo SAPS is investigating an inquest case following the death of a 22-year-old pupil allegedly through an overdose of the designer drug ecstasy, during a term-end party at Reunion Park in Isipingo Beach.
According to Isipingo SAPS communications officer, Cpt David Ragavan, pupils from Matinta Secondary School in Mariannhill gathered at Reunion Park to celebrate the end of the school term on Friday, 18 March at about 6pm.
“During the celebration, lots of alcohol and drugs were circulated. A 22-year-old pupil was with his friends and 16-year-old sister and had allegedly been consuming liquor and ecstasy tablets since 10pm.
He was dancing to loud music and at about 2am, he collapsed and stopped breathing. An ambulance was summoned and paramedics confirmed he was dead,” he said.
He was dancing to loud music and at about 2am, he collapsed and stopped breathing
“We appeal to parents of pupils who attend end of school term celebrations to be vigilant of where they are going, with whom and what they will be doing,” said Cpt Ragavan.
Results of a post mortem to determine whether the pupil had died from consuming alcohol and ecstasy are still outstanding and police could not confirm whether the pupil had taken the deadly ‘Mercedes’ tablet which has been blamed on the deaths for four people in KwaMashu, including two teenagers, and 32 others who were hospitalised over the Easter holidays.
Siyabonga Mngadi (19) and Simphiwe Dludla (18) were celebrating at a term-end party on Friday night at K Section in KwaMashu which started at about 6pm.
Scores of teenagers from KwaMashu were admitted to the King Dinuzulu and RK Khan hospitals after they allegedly took the toxic ecstasy drug known as ‘Mercedes’, which is said to be stamped with the car manufacturer’s logo.
We appeal to parents of pupils who attend end of school term celebrations to be vigilant of where they are going, with whom and what they will be doing
“After the death of four youngsters at KwaMashu due to the suspected toxic drug, the provincial commissioner set up a task team that will investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of these people,” said Major Thulani Zwane of the SAPS KZN media centre.
“The team will also trace the drug dealers and suppliers and make sure that those involved are behind bars.
We appeal for any information regarding anyone dealing in any type of drug to give us information.” Call the Crime Stop number 086-001-011.
