Gauteng: Matric learner dies on school premises

Gauteng police have launched an investigation to probe the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of a matric learner from David Makhubo Secondary School. 

The incident happened on Thursday, 9 May. 

MATRIC LEARNER DIES  

Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said on Thursday, 9 May, during a memorial service organised for a Grade ten boy learner who had passed away from illness on Thursday, 2 May 2024, another sad event unfolded. 

A matric boy learner collapsed while in the schoolyard. Learners promptly alerted educators of this incident. 

“Despite the initial assumption that the learner fainted, the situation was grave. Emergency services were called, and the learner’s parents were informed. Out of a need to maintain calm, the incident was not immediately disclosed to those at the memorial service to prevent panic.

“Regrettably, the learner did not survive, and this news was disclosed at an assembly on the following day, Friday, 10 May,” Mabona explained. 

In addition, before the announcement could be made, some learners, overwhelmed by the unfolding events, experienced fainting spells. 

The incident has been captured in videos that have been widely circulated on social media platforms.

SCHOOL RESOURCES ALLEGEDLY LOOTED

Surprisingly, chaos ensued when some community members allegedly entered the school premises. 

In the turmoil, there were instances of learners being driven out of school grounds and unfortunate acts of alleged looting of school resources, including food supplies from the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP).

Mabona said the circuit management was on site on Thursday to oversee handling the situation post-collapse and on Friday during the assembly and subsequent disruptions.

“The police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of the matric learner, and all efforts are being made to understand the sequence of events that led to this heartrending incident,” he added. 

On the other hand, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said they extend our sincerest condolences to the families of the learners following these tragic incidents.

“Our priority is to provide all necessary support to the learners, staff, and families impacted by these tragedies. Counselling services and other forms of support are being extended to assist the school community during this tough time,” said MEC Chiloane.