Three boys aged 6, 13, and 16 from Ratanda Primary School, Heidelberg, died Thursday after they fell ill.
The Gauteng Department of Education said reports allege that the father of the three deceased gave all his five children energy drinks in the morning while they were preparing for school.
“Four of the said learners consumed the energy drink after arriving at school on Thursday, 26 May 2022,” said the department.
“Sadly, two of the said learners died at the school shortly after complaining of stomach pains while one was rushed to the nearest hospital but died on the way.
“The fourth sibling is in a critical condition at the hospital while the fifth, fortunately, did not consume the energy drink.”
Commenting on the tragedy, Gautengs Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi said: “Firstly, I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the family, particularly the mother, of the deceased learners.
“I further extend my condolences to friends, fellow learners and teachers of the learners, especially those who had witnessed these tragic incidents.
Lesufi said at this stage it is not known what led to the deaths and law enforcement agencies are investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He said the Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched its Psycho-Social Support Unit to the affected schools to offer counselling to the school community at large.
The services have also been offered to the bereaved family.
