By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Three siblings from Ratanda near Heidelberg died on Thursday morning after allegedly consuming energy drinks they were given by their father.
Two of the siblings died at school while the third died on the way to hospital. A fourth is in a critical condition while a fifth sibling had not consumed the drink.
The boys, aged 6, 13, and 16, were all respectively pupils at Ratanda Primary and Khanya Lesedi Secondary Schools in Ratanda.
According to preliminary reports, the four pupils consumed energy drinks after arriving at school on Thursday.
Gauteng Basic Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has expressed his sadness at the tragic deaths of three siblings at Ratanda Primary and Khanya Lesedi Secondary Schools in Ratanda.
“Sadly, two of the said pupils died shortly at the school 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,” said Lesufi in a statement.
“Firstly, I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the family, particularly the mother, of the deceased pupils. I further extend my condolences to friends, fellow pupils and teachers of the learners, especially those who had witnessed these tragic incidents.”
Law enforcement agencies are investigating circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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.
Lesufi will visit both schools and the family on Friday.
This comes a week after a grade 10 pupil was stabbed to death allegedly by a grade 9 pupil at Thaba-Jabula Secondary School in Pimville, Soweto.