Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Education is mourning the deaths of two schoolchildren – one was shot dead at his home and the other died from eating a contaminated snack bought at a spaza shop.
“Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, is deeply saddened by the untimely passing of a Grade 7 boy learner and a Grade 4 boy learner from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School in Riverlea on Monday, (2 December 2024),” said Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education.
“According to information at our disposal, it is alleged that the Grade 7 boy learner was shot at by unknown suspects at his family’s house on Saturday, (30 November 2024).
“In another unfortunate incident, the Grade 4 boy learner fell ill on Monday, (2 December 2024), after reportedly consuming biscuits from a local spaza shop.”
Accordingly, emergency services were called to provide medical assistance to the Grade 4 learner.
However, he was declared deceased while receiving medical treatment at home.
The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding these sad incidents.
“We have dispatched our Psycho-Social Support Unit to provide counseling to the school community on Tuesday, (3 December 2024),” said MEC Chiloane.
“Indeed, we are saddened by these deaths and wish to convey our condolences to the families and the school community during this difficult time.”
