GAUTENG Department of Education is worried about the resurgence of suicides in schools.
The recent cases occurred at Eqinisweni Secondary in Ivory Park, where four pupils committed suicide days after each other.
This comes at a time when the department is trying to recover from the incidents of pupils' suicides and suicide attempts that occurred at Tsakane Secondary in August 2023.
Pupils from Eqinisweni Secondary School in Ivory Park allegedly committed suicide between 26 April and 5 May 2024.
"According to information at our disposal, the first incident occurred on Friday, 26 April 2024," said spokesman Steve Mabona.
The first case, the department said, is of a grade 10 girl pupil who died after drinking poison at home.
She was rushed to a local clinic, where she was declared dead.
Mabona said on Thursday, 2 May, another pupil, this time a grade 11 girl, was found dead at home by her parents.
"She tragically took her own life, allegedly by consuming poison."
ALSO READ: Shock as kids killed in gang clash
Subsequently, on Friday, 3 May, a grade 11 boy pupil was hospitalised due to having allegedly consumed poison.
He died while receiving medical treatment.
Mabona said on Sunday, 5 May, a grade 12 girl pupil also allegedly drank poison at home and sadly passed away while being transported to a nearby clinic.
"Our Psycho-Social Support Unit has been dispatched to Eqinisweni Secondary School to provide the necessary counselling to the school community. The team will also extend its counselling services to the respective bereaved families."
The department urged pupils to reach out to available support structures in instances where they might be facing any challenges.
Pupils can also contact the South African Depression and Anxiety Group on 0800 567 567 or 0800 456 789 or Childline by dialing 116.
Meanwhile, a female teacher from Thuto-Lore Secondary School in Sharpeville was found dead on Saturday, 4 May.
It's reported that the educator did not report to work on Thursday, 2 May.
Subsequently, a missing persons case was filed at a local police station on Friday, 3 May 2024.
The department said her lifeless body was allegedly found Saturday, 4 May, at the Dlomo Dam near her home.
