The father of the three boys who died after drinking energy drinks he gave them was found unconscious at their home in Ratanda, Heidelberg in Gauteng.
Family spokesperson Johannes Khoabane said the father was absent from work all week.
Khoabane said:
The children – aged six, 13 and 16 – complained of stomach pain when they arrived at school. Two died at the scene while the third died en route to hospital on Thursday.
The fourth sibling is in a critical condition in hospital, while the fifth did not consume the energy drink.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi visited the siblings’ schools, Ratanda Primary School and Khanya Lesedi Secondary School, on Friday.
“The department has dispatched its psychosocial support unit to the affected schools to offer counselling to the school and the community at large. The services have also been offered to the bereaved family,” said the provincial education department.
[MEDIA STATEMENT]: @EducationGP1 MEC Panyaza @Lesufi has expressed his devastation at the news of the tragic deaths of three (3) boy learners - all siblings - who passed away on the morning of Thursday 26 May 2022. @Steve_Mabona pic.twitter.com/Nkd56n6JdQ
— Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) (@EducationGP1) May 26, 2022
Preliminary reports point to the father having given all five children energy drinks while they were preparing for school.
The police are investigating.
Said Brigadier Brenda Muridili:
Khoabane said the father was the only one who could explain what transpired.
Lesufi said it pained him that he had to lecture learners about death rather than opportunities.
The MEC said the family needed help and support.
He said:
Khoabane said while the family was in pain, they were also grateful for the support and comfort from the community and government.
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