Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi. Image via Twitter/@GPEducation1
Lesufi saddened by sudden death of 12-year-old boy at Gauteng school
A boy, 12, from the Kokosi Primary school in Gauteng has died after falling ill on Thursday 11 June. A parent was with him when he died.
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi. Image via Twitter/@GPEducation1
Gauteng Education MEC Panyaza Lesufi has expressed sadness at the untimely death of a 12-year-old boy who attended the Kokosi Primary school in Gauteng. The boy was declared dead on Thursday 11 June.
Lesufi and Gauteng Health MEC Bandile Masuku will on Sunday 14 June visit the bereaved family in Kokosi.
BOY TAKES ILL AT GAUTENG SCHOOL
According to the Gauteng Education Department, the youth brigades picked up that the boy was not feeling well on arrival at the school on Thursday.
The boy was immediately taken to an isolation room.
“The safety committee realised that his condition was not improving, they called parents and rushed him to a local clinic, sadly he was certified dead on arrival, in the presence of his parent,” said Gauteng Education Department spokesperson Steve Mabona.
“This is to confirm that, working with the department of health, we are conducting a forensic investigation on the circumstances surrounding his death,” he added.
“We urge the community to avoid assuming the cause of death and we must leave this matter to experts. We would like to convey our sincere condolences the family and the school community. We pray for their strength during this time of grief,” said Lesufi.
The PyschoSocial Team will visit the school to provide the necessary support.
PANYAZA LESUFI IN SELF-ISOLATION
After the announcement about two employees at the Gauteng head office testing positive for COVID-19, Lesufi conducted a test on Tuesday 9 June and went into self-isolation. He is currently awaiting his results.
“We wish to assure you that he’s not sick and [is] doing well. We will update on the latest developments accordingly,” said Mabona.
“The affected employees and their families are receiving support and care in accordance with the World Health Organisation (WHO) protocols,” added Mabona.
Two buildings, number 17 Simmonds Street and 26 and 30 Loveday Street in Gauteng were closed with immediate effect for fogging and disinfection.
Lesufi announced that the disinfection process would take place on Thursday and Friday. “The disinfection processes of our offices have begun. We sincerely apologise to our staff and our school community for the inconvenience caused.”
Staff will be able to return to their workstations at the Gauteng head office on Monday 15 June 2020.
“We wish all our staff members who tested positive a speedy recovery. You enjoy our support at all times” added Lesufi.
