THE Gauteng Department of Education has been shaken after the deaths of three siblings.
Police said the three mistakenly ate food laced with rat poison.
The Grade 1 boy and Grade 2 girl from Kaalfontein Primary School and a one-year-old girl died on Tuesday, 31 May in Ivory Park, ext 2.
Captain Bernard Matimulane said the food was meant for rats.
“The adult responsible for the children failed to put the food in a safe place.”
According to the police, the gogo of the children allegedly sprinkled meat with rat poison and placed the container on top of the refrigerator with an intention to, later at night, entrap rats in the house and left for church.
When she returned from church, she found the container empty and in the sink. She questioned the eldest of the kids, aged eight, and she confirmed to have eaten the poisoned meat with her siblings, police said.
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The children are said to have started complaining about stomach cramps and their gogo gave them milk and rushed them to hospital.
But it was too late as they were certified dead on arrival.
“We wish to convey our sincerest condolences to the family and the school community,” said MEC Panyaza Lesufi.
Gauteng education spokesman Steve Mabona said the psychosocial support unit has been dispatched to the school to offer counselling.
“The services have also been offered to the bereaved family.”
Captain Matimulane said an inquest has been opened and is being investigated by the Ivory Park police.
