Special send-off for 3 pupils who died after consuming pap, biscuits and milk

JOHANNESBURG - A special send-off for three young siblings who tragically died while at school is currently under way outside their home.

Tshepiso Tsotetsi, Moeketsi Mokhatla and Rethabile Mokhatla fell ill at school last week after consuming pap, biscuits and milk.

They were subsequently taken to a local clinic where they were declared dead.

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More than a hundred people including pupils from Evaton Primary School who have formed a guard of honour have gathered to pay their final respects for the young siblings.

A marquee set up outside the home is filled with deafening cries as the grief-stricken funeral procession prepares to head to the Evaton cemetery which will serve as the final resting place for the young children.

Emfuleni Local Municipality Mayor has vouched for support to the family:

“We are giving that type of support if there’s a need for a social worker, we have already done that through the ward counsellor.”

The Emfuleni Local Municipality says it is working closely with the SAPS to investigate the deaths of three primary school children.

A police probe that is still under way has seen no arrests however, Emfuleni acting mayor Jonas Radebe believes the officers will get to the bottom of the matter.

“We are calling for calm, let us give law-enforcement agencies or any relevant stakeholders the space to do what they are supposed to do in order to bring a close to this.”