By Doreen Mokgolo
Four learners from the Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ekukurhuleni – three girls and a boy – have committed suicide since 26 April by drinking rat poison.
In the first incident, a Grade 10 student, Thembi Lubisi drank poison at her home on 26 April. She was rushed to the local clinic, where she was declared dead.
On Thursday 2 May, a Grade 11 learner was found dead at her home by her parents. It was discovered that she also drank poison.
The following day, a Grade 11 learner was rushed to hospital after allegedly consuming poison. He died while receiving medical treatment.
On Sunday 5 May, a Grade 12 learner also allegedly drank poison at her home. She died while being transported to the nearby clinic.
A parent of a learner at the school, whose identity we are not revealing, said the deaths of the four learners were very troubling, especially in the way that they lost their lives.
“What is happening to our children? Are they being bullied at school, and who are the bullies? Why are our children not speaking to us as parents about their challenges? We need help before more lives are lost,” she said.
Pastors visited the school on Monday to pray and offer the teachers and learners emotional support.
The body of a female teacher from the school was also found brutally killed on Saturday.
Police are investigating the circumstances of her death.
The Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, said the tragic incidents devastated the department.
“It is heartbreaking that a female teacher from the same school was brutally murdered recently. This raises serious concerns around the safety of female educators in the community,” he said.
Chiloane is pleading with law enforcement agencies to apprehend the teacher’s killer or killers swiftly.
“Our psycho-social support unit will be deployed to the school to provide necessary trauma support and counselling,” he said.
- If you are suffering from depression or are feeling suicidal, or know anyone who is experiencing mental health problems, help from trained counsellors from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group is just a free phone call away at 0800 567 567
Pictured above: Thembi Lubisi.
Image source: Supplied
