Police urged to speedily solve mystery over three Evaton siblings’ deaths

The family of the three siblings who died in a suspected poisoning incident at Evaton Primary School say they are pinning their hopes on the police to get to the bottom of this matter.

Police say a case of inquest has been opened and investigations into the tragedy are in full swing.

Rethabile Mokhatla (11), Moeketsi Mokhatla (10) and Tshepiso Tsotetsi (10) fell ill shortly after arriving at school on Monday.

It is reported that they ate pap and milk before they left home.

However, unconfirmed reports suggest that the children were also given biscuits by their stepfather on their way to school.

While these allegations have gained traction, family spokesperson, Katleho Mokhatla, says they have not heard anything yet from the police and they are awaiting an update.

The children’s mother was reportedly called to the school an hour after they had left home, only to find that all three of them had collapsed.

The two girls and one boy were declared dead upon arrival at a nearby clinic.

The Gauteng Department of Education has pleaded with those involved in this tragedy to cooperate with law enforcement authorities as investigations continue.

The department has also provided psycho-social support to the school and the family.

Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Basic Education, Joy Maimela, is concerned over the continued loss of young lives at Gauteng schools.

In a separate incident this week, two learners from a school in Tsakane ingested rat poison, one died while the other is recuperating.

The tragedies followed last week’s burial of 11 other children who perished in a scholar transport crash in Carletonville, the previous month.

“This is indeed incredibly sad for such young lives, dying so tragically. They will now never reach their full potential. The youth is the future, but South Africa will now never benefit from these young people,” laments Maimela.

“Furthermore, we appeal to the police for swift investigations and to ensure they leave no stone unturned.”