Gauteng Education Department mourns loss of 2 learners at Riverlea primary school

Gauteng Education Department mourns loss of 2 learners at Riverlea primary school! The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is reeling from the tragic loss of two learners from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School in Riverlea, Johannesburg.

The heartbreaking incidents, which occurred within days of each other, have cast a shadow over the school community, prompting calls for justice and heightened safety measures.

Two Lives Lost in Tragic Circumstances

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane confirmed the deaths of two boys—a Grade 7 learner who passed away on Saturday and a Grade 4 learner who died on Monday. Speaking on behalf of the department, Chiloane expressed deep sadness over the losses.

“Indeed, we are saddened by these deaths and wish to convey our condolences to the families and the school community during this difficult time,” said MEC Chiloane.

The two incidents, though unrelated, have left parents, teachers, and learners shocked and grieving.

The Grade 7 Incident: Fatal Shooting at Home

The first tragedy occurred when the Grade 7 boy was fatally shot at his parents’ home on Saturday. According to GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona, the circumstances surrounding the shooting remain unclear, but police have launched an investigation to determine the motive and identify the perpetrators.

“Unknown suspects allegedly shot at the boy at his parents’ home. Police are working to uncover the details of this senseless act of violence,” Mabona said.

The Grade 4 Incident: Suspected Food Poisoning

The second incident involved a Grade 4 learner who fell ill on Monday after allegedly consuming biscuits purchased from a local spaza shop. Despite emergency services being called to provide medical assistance, the child tragically passed away while receiving treatment at home.

“Emergency services responded promptly, but sadly, the learner was declared deceased. Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of death, including whether the biscuits were contaminated,” Mabona added.

Counselling Support for the School Community

To help the school community cope with the traumatic events, the GDE’s Psycho-Social Support Unit will send a team to the school to provide counselling and emotional support. The department emphasized its commitment to ensuring learners, teachers, and families receive the help they need during this difficult time.

Broader Context: Food Safety Concerns and Government Action

The tragic death of the Grade 4 boy highlights ongoing concerns about food safety in South Africa. Allegedly contaminated snacks and exposure to harmful substances have claimed the lives of more than 20 children and caused widespread illness in recent months.

In response to these incidents, President Cyril Ramaphosa recently issued a 21-day deadline for spaza shop owners to legally register their businesses with local municipalities. This directive aims to improve oversight and ensure the safety of food sold at informal outlets.

Ramaphosa’s Warning Against Fraudulent Registrations

Speaking at an ANC event in Thabazimbi, Limpopo, President Ramaphosa cautioned against fraudulent practices where South African citizens register spaza shops on behalf of foreign nationals.

“We’ve now realised that there is some crookery that is going on, where people are using other people to register when they themselves are not registrable,” Ramaphosa said.

The president underscored the importance of adhering to legal frameworks to prevent irregularities and ensure accountability in the informal retail sector.

Calls for Accountability and Safety

The deaths of these two learners have reignited concerns about safety in homes, schools, and communities. Civil society groups, parents, and officials have called for increased vigilance in addressing violence and food safety issues that endanger children.

MEC Chiloane urged law enforcement and relevant authorities to expedite investigations into both cases. “We must ensure that those responsible are held accountable and that no family has to endure such a loss again,” he said.

Moving Forward

As the community mourns these tragic losses, the focus now shifts to ensuring such incidents are not repeated. The Gauteng Education Department’s counselling initiative and President Ramaphosa’s directive for stricter regulations in the informal food sector represent initial steps in addressing the systemic issues contributing to these tragedies.

For Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School, the priority will be to help learners and staff heal while advocating for justice and long-term safety solutions.