The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) and the DA have raised their concerns after three sibling learners from the Evaton Primary School died after allegedly eating poisoned milk, pap and biscuits.

The DA in Gauteng has called for a swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic deaths of three learners, while Sadtu has called for more support to be given to its members and learners who have been left traumatised by the tragic incident of Monday morning.

“The DA is calling for a thorough and urgent investigation into the deaths of these learners, which have shocked and caused anguish to the parents, teachers, and their fellow learners.

“We further call on the GDE to provide comprehensive psycho-social services to struggling learners and parents in our education system,” said DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Education, Sergio Isa Dos Santos.

Speaking to ‘Newzroom Afrika’ on Wednesday following Monday’s tragedy, the union called for swift probe into the circumstances that resulted in the death of the three learners.

According to the union, the incident has left teachers, learners and the community traumatised.

“We have lost three young lives and this has affected our members quiet significantly but this has not affected only Sadtu members but the entire school and community. This includes teachers, support personnel, even the learners are affected.

“We do understand that psycho social interventions have been made, but we would like to see more being done because this is quite traumatic as it brings to the fore, the kind of responsibility we have as educational workers,” Sadtu said.

On Monday, it was reported that siblings,Tshepiso Tsotetsi in Grade 3, Moeketsi Mokhatla in Grade 4 and Rethabile Mokhatla in Grade 5 arrived at Evaton Primary School where they presented symptoms, including nausea and body aches.

According to the Gauteng Provincial Education Department, the three learners were subsequently rushed to a local clinic by teachers where they were declared dead on the scene.

The Gauteng Education Department, together with the school, conveyed their condolences to the children’s mother, Dibuseng Mokhatla.

Gauteng MEC for Education, Sports, Arts and Culture, Matome Chiloane sent his condolences to the bereaved families. He said according to the latest information, the pupils had fallen ill shortly after 8am on Monday.

Gauteng police have since launched an investigation with speculation rife as who and what could have caused the deaths of these young learners.

The Star

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