Tsakani – The family of 14-year-old Mpho Thombeni is left with many unanswered questions after the teenager’s death at school on Monday.
Mpho died after allegedly ingesting rat poison.
“It was my birthday on Friday. We had a great weekend, and Mpho was by my side for most of it,” said the teenager’s grieving mother, Zandile Thombeni.
“Even when she was getting ready for school on Monday morning, she was jovial.
“We had no reason to suspect that anything was wrong.
“I told her that I love her as she made her way to school,” said Zandile.
The family received a call that something had happened to Mpho at school on Monday.
“When I got there, one of the teachers told me to go into the office,” explained Tumelo, Mpho’s brother.
“My sister was on the floor, but I knew she was already gone.
“I couldn’t hold my tears, and I just looked away.”
Also read: Learner dies after being assaulted by teacher and caretaker
Gauteng MEC for Education, Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, Matome Chiloane, expressed that he is deeply saddened about the death of the Grade Eight learner.
Reports indicate that the incident took place during school hours when two Grade Eight girl learners allegedly ingested rat poison on the school premises.
One of the learners, Mpho, collapsed and had to be carried to the school’s administration block, while the other, though visibly weak, managed to walk there.
Emergency services and the learners’ parents were immediately contacted.
Mpho was declared dead on school premises, while the other was rushed to a local medical facility for urgent care.
The police are currently investigating the incident.
Chiloane strongly encourages learners to seek help from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) by calling their 24-hour helpline on 0800 68 78 88 if they are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, rather than turning to such actions.
Support is available, and no one should face their challenges alone.
SADAG will be offering targeted support for learners, including sessions for Grade 12s as they prepare for their preliminary examinations.
“We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of these young lives.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and school communities affected by these devastating incidents.
“Our psycho-social support team will be dispatched to provide necessary support to everyone involved during this difficult time,” said Chiloane.
At the time of publication, the second learner was still in hospital receiving medical care.
