Tragedy hits two schools as pupils die by suicide
GAUTENG – Two girls who attended school in Ekurhuleni have died by suicide, the Department of Education in Gauteng announced on Wednesday. A grade 8 pupil from Geluksdal Secondary School and a grade 12 pupil from Nigel High School took their own lives on Tuesday and Thursday, respectively. The department confirmed their passing in a statement. Spokesperson Steve Mabona says the pupil from Nigel High School drank poison at home on Thursday. The Geluksdal Secondary School pupil also consumed poison at home on Tuesday evening.
“She… was rushed to a nearby medical facility. Sadly, she died in the vehicle while being transported to receive medical attention,” says Mabona. Mabona says the psycho-social support team will visit all affected schools and the families to provide the required support. “We wish to convey our deepest condolences to the families and school communities of these learners. Indeed, it is really concerning that learners will resort to taking their own lives. “We call upon learners to always seek assistance for the necessary support to be provided.”