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School classroom with tables and chairs.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane says he is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a Grade 8 girl learner from Qalabotjha Secondary School in Vlakfontein, Johannesburg South.
The learner reportedly collapsed at school on Tuesday before emergency services arrived.
According to the department’s spokesperson Steve Mabona, there are other separate incidents that have been reported, including an alleged rape of eight boy learners from Khomanani Primary School in Diepkloof.
A Grade 9 learner from Davey Secondary School in Daveyton also passed away a week ago, with suicide suspected as the cause.
Mabona says psychosocial support teams have been deployed to the affected schools to provide necessary support to students and staff impacted by these tragic incidents.
“The Teddy Bear Clinic has been brought on board to assist with the process to make sure that the learners are attended to. This incident is a reminder of the importance of the collective duty to ensure the safety of our children. We call upon parents to work very closely with us and make sure that our children are safe at all times, that’s the sentiments from the MEC,” says Mabona.
📄 MEDIA STATEMENT
• MEC @matomekopano deeply saddened by the untimely death of a Grade 8 girl learner from Qalabotjha Secondary in Vlakfontein, Johannesburg South.
• MEC Chiloane vehemently condemns the sexual assault of eight boy learners from Khomani Primary School in… pic.twitter.com/uwPdxHQ4Qt
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) September 9, 2025
