Panyaza Lesufi saddened by death of two Gauteng pupils

Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi is disheartened about the death of two pupils from Hammanskraal, Gauteng. 

The Gauteng Education Department said two pupils, an eight-year-old girl from Selang Primary School and a 12-year-old boy from Lethabo Phalane Primary School In Hammanskraal sadly lost their lives. 

DEATH OF TWO GAUTENG PUPILS 

It is alleged that the girl pupil was electrocuted after touching an electric cable which was wrongly earthed at home on 29 April. She, unfortunately, died on arrival at a local hospital. 

“Sadly, the diabetic boy learner,  allegedly experienced complications on Tuesday 21 April 2020 at home, and subsequently rushed to a local hospital and succumbed to his chronic ailment on Thursday 23 April 2020,” said Lesufi. 

“We would like to convey our sincere condolences to both families and the school community. We pray for their strength during this time of affliction” said Lesufi.

Police are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of the electrocuted pupil.  

Both schools will facilitate memorial services to celebrate their lives, after the lockdown period accordingly. 

Lesufi, who is also the acting MEC for Social Development, will receive donations at the West Rand Food Bank on Thursday 7 May. 

Lesufi will receive 2 000 family food hampers from Sibanye Still Waters. The donor is heeding the call by Lesufi to work with the department to continue to provide social relief to needy households during the lockdown. 

MORE THAN 60 GAUTENG SCHOOLS VANDALISED 

On 16 April, Just under one month ago, Gauteng Premier David Makhura, updated the nation on the developments taking place in the province. 

During the speech, he mentioned that 54 people had been arrested for the vandalism and torching of Gauteng schools during the lockdown. Lesufi also mentioned that the total number of schools vandalised and burnt in the first three weeks of the lockdown had increased to a whopping 67.

Ongoing vandalism and stolen property at hundreds of schools will obviously affect the return of pupils.

“It is unfortunate to confirm that criminals continued to break -into our schools and as such a total number of school break-ins are 67,” said Lesufi. 

“We wish that these criminals will rot in jail. We will not get tired of encouraging members of our communities to continue to alert the police about criminals who torment our schools,” added Lesufi. 

The Gauteng Education Department are yet to announce the updated number of schools that have been vandalised during lockdown.