By Everson Luhanga
Death, looting and panic unfolded at David Makhubo High School in Kaalfontein, near Tembisa.
Following a learner’s death from natural causes, a pupil collapsed during the memorial service and was declared dead in the schoolyard.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed the incident.
Mabona said Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane is aware of two learners’ deaths that occurred at David Makhubo High School in Kaalfontein.
Mabona said on Thursday, 9 May, during a memorial service organised for a Grade 10 boy learner who had passed away from illness on Thursday, 2 May, another sombre event unfolded. A Grade 12 boy collapsed in the schoolyard.
“Educators were promptly alerted by learners to the incident, and despite the initial assumption that the learner had fainted, the situation was grave. Emergency services were called, and the learner’s parents were informed. To maintain calm, the incident was not immediately disclosed to those at the memorial service to prevent panic.
“Regrettably, the learner did not survive, and this news was disclosed at an assembly on the following day, Friday, 10 May,” said Mabona.
He said before the announcement could be made, some learners, overwhelmed by the unfolding events, started to faint. The incident has been captured on videos that have since gone viral on social media platforms.
Mabona said on Friday, chaos ensued when some community members entered the school premises.
In the turmoil, there were instances of learners being driven out of school grounds and unfortunate acts of looting of school resources, including food supplies from the National School Nutrition Programme.
“Circuit management was on site on Thursday to oversee the handling of the situation post-collapse, and on Friday, during the assembly and subsequent disruptions.”
Mabona said the police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of the Grade 12 learner, and all efforts are being made to understand the sequence of events that led to the incident.
“We wish to extend our sincerest condolences to the bereaved families following these tragic incidents. Currently, our priority is to provide all necessary support to the learners, staff and families impacted by these tragedies.
“Counselling services and other forms of support are being extended to assist the school community during this incredibly difficult time,” said Chiloane.
Pictured Above: The sign outside David Makhubo Secondary School in Kaalfontein.
Image Source:Facebook
