More learners commit suicide by consuming poison at Tsakane Secondary School
A number of learners including an employee at Tsakane Secondary School have committed suicide by consuming poison.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed concerned with the recent occurrence of suicides and suicidal attempts that have been prevalent at Tsakane Secondary School.
This comes as two girl learners in Grade 8 and 12 from Tsakane Secondary School allegedly consumed poison at their respective homes and unfortunately passed away on Monday, 7 August and Tuesday, 8 August 2023 respectively.
SUICIDAL BEHAVIOUR PREVALENT IN TSAKANE SECONDARY
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said according to information at their disposal, another Grade 8 boy learner brought poison to the school on Tuesday, 8 August 2023 and consumed it in full view of other learners following the two previously reported deaths. However, this learner was immediately rushed to a local medical facility and is currently recovering.
“On a much sadder note, we were made aware of two other girl learners and a boy learner who also allegedly consumed poison, but are fortunately recovering at a medical facility,” he explained.
ALSO READ: MEC Chiloane deeply saddened by two Gauteng schoolboy suicides
GENERAL WORKER COMMITS SUICIDE BY CONSUMING POISON
Mabona said they can also confirm that on Friday, 18 August 2023, a male general worker from the same school allegedly committed suicide by consuming poison at home.
The spokesperson said they are also aware of a video that has gone viral on social media showing two other girl learners being assisted to stand, with false reports that they also consumed poison, which is not true.
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“The video footage was captured on Monday, 21 August 2023, during a community prayer at the school, in which some learners were emotionally moved by the passing of their fellow learners. Therefore, it must be clarified that there is no learner who consumed poison at school and died on school premises,” he explained.
GRAPHIC CONTENT: Two girls Died in Tsakane Secondary School after they ingested black rat poison, while two other girls have been hospitalized, all 4 girls are from the same school.
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) August 22, 2023
The other two girls are in hospital in a very critical condition, the motive is not yet known,… pic.twitter.com/b2EzFvmGfU
Gauteng Education officials reportedly visited the school on Tuesday, 22 August 2023 with law enforcement agencies and social workers.
Mabona said necessary psycho-social support was provided to learners and classes continued without any disruptions. The employee wellness team will be deployed to support staff at the school.
ALSO READ: Two Gauteng learners commit suicide by consuming poison
PARENTS MEETING TO ADDRESS CONCERNING BEHAVIOUR
The department said the suicides are concerning and as such, a parents meeting will be facilitated on Sunday, 27 August 2023, to address this concerning behaviour at the school.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said they are gravely concerned by the recurring suicidal behaviour at Tsakane Secondary School.
Chiloane encouraged learners to reach out to officials and interact with professionals for necessary assistance by calling Childline on 116.