Police in Sebokeng police in the Vaal have opened an inquest docket following the deaths of three learners, who are also siblings.

CONSUMED SUSPECTED POISONED BUISCUITS

Siblings Tshepiso Tsotetsi, Moeketsi Mokhatla and Rethabile Mokhatla from Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng passed away yesterday after they allegedly consumed suspected poisoned biscuits. It is alleged that the biscuits they consumed were given to them by their stepfather. In a letter sent to the parents and seen by ZiMoja, it stated that the incident forced the school to release learners early. "It is with a heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of three of our learners this morning. Following the incident, learners were released early in order for the school to make necessary preparations," the letter by the school read.

POLICE INVESTIGATING INQUEST

Gauteng MEC for Matome Chiloane expressed his sorrow over the deaths of the learners. "According to information at our disposal, the incident unfolded at around 08:00 in the morning when a Grade 4 class teacher brought a sick boy learner to the sick bay. Despite immediate assistance, the learner was unresponsive. Emergency services and the learner's mother were swiftly called," Chiloane said. "In a distressing turn of events, the learner's sibling, a Grade 3 girl, was also brought to the sick bay and mentioned that they had eaten pap, milk and biscuits at home. The learner soon became unresponsive as well. A third sibling, a Grade 5 girl learner, was also found to be unresponsive. All three learners were rushed to a nearby clinic, where tragically, they were declared dead," he said. Gauteng SAPS spokesperson Captain Tinstwalo Sibeko said the police were investigating the matter. "The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this heartbreaking incident," Sibeko said.