Four learners from the same Gauteng school commit suicide

The Gauteng Department of Education has dispatched its psycho-social support unit to Eqinisweni Secondary School to provide necessary counseling after learners allegedly committed suicide. 

The learners from the school in Ivory Park allegedly committed suicide between 26 April and 5 May. 

FOUR LEARNERS COMMIT SUICIDE

Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said information at their disposal indicates that the first incident occurred on Friday, 26 April. 

It is alleged that a Grade ten girl learner drank poison at home. She was rushed to a local clinic, where she was unfortunately declared dead. 

In the second incident, which occurred on Thursday, 2 May, a Grade 11 girl learner was found dead at home by her parents. It is alleged she also tragically took her own life by consuming poison. 

Subsequently, on Friday, 3 May, a Grade 11 boy learner was also hospitalised after he allegedly consumed poison. Unfortunately, he passed away while receiving medical treatment. 

In the fourth incident, which occurred on Sunday, 5 May, a Grade 12 girl learner also allegedly drank poison at home and sadly passed away while being transported to a nearby clinic. 

“Our psycho-social support unit has been dispatched to Eqinisweni Secondary School to provide the necessary counselling to the school community. The team will also extend its counselling services to the bereaved families,” Mabona said. 

Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he is extremely shocked by a series of devastating incidents. 

Chiloane said it is heart-wrenching to witness the loss of young lives. 

“We extend our deepest condolences to the families affected by their loss. We will bolster mental health support services in schools to ensure our learners receive the necessary assistance and guidance during difficult times.

“Notably, our partnership with SADAG has yielded positive results in Tsakane where we previously had a similar slew of unfortunate learner suicides. As such, the department commits to continuing this partnership and conducting learner mental health roadshows to affected schools,” Chiloane said. 

PUPILS URGED TO REACH OUT FOR SUPPORT

Following the incidents, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has urged learners to reach out to support structures and resources that have been made available when they face any challenges. 

“Such structures include Childline, which can be contacted by dialing 116. Learners can also contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) on 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789,” Mabona added.