Two high school pupils commit suicide in separate cases

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Two learners have committed suicide in separate cases that were reported in the province on Tuesday morning. 

One of the incidents occurred at Soshanguve Secure Centre, where a Grade 10 boy learner was discovered hanging in a dormitory during lunch on Monday.

It is reported that the learner had been taken to the juvenile centre about two weeks ago and was awaiting trial. 

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In a separate incident, a Grade 9 boy learner from Kgetsi Ya Tsie Secondary School tragically took his own life at home on the same day.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said their psycho-social support unit will be dispatched to provide assistance in both instances accordingly. 

“These incidents serve as a grim reminder that the emotional well-being of learners is a shared responsibility that requires immediate attention from all of us.

MEDIA STATEMENT

Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano is deeply saddened by two separate learner suicide cases that were reported in the province this morning. pic.twitter.com/Djo8tdaFn5

— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) August 8, 2023

“As we mourn the loss of young lives, there is a growing determination to prevent future tragedies and to foster a culture of support, compassion, and understanding within the educational community,” MEC Chiloane explained.

The department has extended condolences to families and school communities.