Mayor and MEC saddened by deaths of three boys in Ratanda
Gauteng’s Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi and Lesedi Local Muncipality executive mayor Mluleki Nkosi, have expressed their sadness after hearing of the tragic deaths of three boys who passed away on Thursday morning, May 26 in their school premises.
The siblings are aged 6, 13, and 16 and were all respectively learners at Ratanda Primary and Khanya Lesedi Secondary Schools in Ratanda.
The one survivor of the four poisoned boys who drank this poison, is still fighting for his life in hospital.
The local mayor also conveyed his deepest condolences to the family of the kids, their schools and the Ratanda community at large for this traumatic incident that has occurred.
He has strongly warned local residents to not spread unfounded rumours about this matter.
“Preliminary reports allege that the father of the three deceased gave all his five children energy drinks in the morning while they were preparing for school. Four of the said learners consumed the energy drink after arriving at school on Thursday.
“Sadly, two of the said learners 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,” explained Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona
“Firstly, I wish to convey my sincerest condolences to the family, particularly the mother, of the deceased learners. I further extend my condolences to friends, fellow learners and teachers of the learners, especially those who had witnessed these tragic incidents,” MEC Lesufi said.
At this stage it is not known what led to the deaths and law enforcement agencies are investigating circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The police have taken the father of the boys to hospital and is under arrest, as it is reported that he might be involved in the alleged poisoning of his children. The police also await the postmortem results which will determine the exact cause of death.
Lesedi Municipality’s social workers have visited both schools and will provide professional assistance to the family.
The provincial department has also 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.
MEC Lesufi along with Mayor Nkosi will on Friday, May 27, visit both schools and family starting at Ratanda Primary School.
