Relebogile was an eight-year-old Grade 3 learner who lost his life after alleged poisoning at the school last week. Addressing teachers at the school alongside Premier Sisi Ntombela earlier today, Makgoe expressed his condolences to the family and said the department is deeply shocked by the incident. The eight-year-old allegedly died shortly after a fellow learner shared chocolate with him and suffered what seemed like epilepsy before he was transported to MUCPP where he was declared dead. The incident left six other children hospitalised with two in ICU. Makgoe said although they are deeply hurt by the passing of Relebogile, they are grateful that the other six children survived and that four have already been discharged from hospital.

He has further appealed to parents and teachers to teach learners to refrain from eating food from strangers and from eating food sold outside schoolyards.

Makgoe further applaud the Principal of the school for taking Relebogile to the nearest health facility with her own vehicle when the school realised the ambulance was not going to arrive as quickly as they anticipated. He alluded that investigations are still underway and the department has since dispatched a group of investigators and social workers to help teachers and learners deal with the trauma that might be caused by the incident.

Beyond committing to help the family with burial costs, both Makgoe and Ntombela vowed to ensure that the school's infrastructure is developed in honour of Relebogile.

Ntombela further announced that she has removed the construction of a new and local school in Caleb Motshabi from the Department of Public Works to Education to fast-track development and ensure that children living in those areas do not have to travel long distances to Rocklands to get to schools.

The Tsholetsang Primary School will meanwhile hold a memorial service this afternoon for Relebogile.

Videographer: Marvin Ntsane

OFM News