
Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Education is mourning the tragic loss of two schoolchildren – one fatally shot at home, and the other who died after eating a contaminated snack bought from a spaza shop.
“Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is deeply saddened by the heartbreaking deaths of a Grade 7 and a Grade 4 student from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School in Riverlea on Monday, (2 December 2024),” said Steve Mabona, spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education.
“According to the information we have, the Grade 7 student was shot by unidentified assailants at his home on Saturday, (30 November 2024).
“In a separate unfortunate incident, the Grade 4 student fell ill on Monday, (2 December 2024), after reportedly consuming biscuits from a nearby spaza shop.”
Emergency services were called to provide medical assistance to the Grade 4 student.
Unfortunately, he was pronounced dead while receiving care at home.
The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.
“We have deployed our Psycho-Social Support Unit to provide counseling to the school community on Tuesday, (3 December 2024),” MEC Chiloane added.
“We are truly saddened by these losses and extend our deepest condolences to the families and the school community during this difficult time.”