Johannesburg – The Gauteng Department of Education is mourning the tragic loss of two schoolchildren; one was fatally shot at his home, and the other passed away after eating a contaminated snack bought from a spaza shop.

“Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane is deeply saddened by the untimely deaths of a Grade 7 student and a Grade 4 student from Wilhelmina Hoskins Primary School in Riverlea on Monday, (2 December 2024),” said Steve Mabona, the spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education.

“According to reports, the Grade 7 student was shot by unidentified assailants at his residence on Saturday, (30 November 2024).

“In a separate unfortunate incident, the Grade 4 student fell ill on Monday, (2 December 2024), after allegedly consuming biscuits from a nearby spaza shop.”

Consequently, emergency services were called to provide medical assistance to the Grade 4 student.

However, he was pronounced dead while receiving care at home.

The police are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding these tragic events.

“We have dispatched our Psycho-Social Support Unit to provide counseling to the school community on Tuesday, (3 December 2024),” added MEC Chiloane.

“We are truly saddened by these losses and extend our sincere condolences to the families and the school community during this difficult time.”