Two Grade 8 learners from Tsakani Secondary School in Ekurhuleni, aged 13 and 14, spent weeks planning their suicides.
The evidence was out there for anyone with access to their social media accounts.
The girls originally wanted to do it on Sunday, but one was grounded.
So, on Monday during school, the two friends mixed rat poison with chips and took turns eating the deadly food.
Mpho Thombeni, 14, collapsed and died, while her friend was rushed to hospital and is now in the intensive care unit.
The aunt of the surviving girl told Scrolla.Africa that this was her third attempt at suicide this year.
“A few months ago, she took a mix of pills and got sick at school, so they sent her home. Two weeks ago, we caught her trying to take pills again, and she threw some on the roof in panic. They have also been cutting their wrists,” said her aunt.
In a suicide note, the surviving girl said she felt her family didn’t love her and often accused her of stealing money.
She felt neglected in a crowded home.
Mpho’s mother, Zandile Thombeni, said she found out that her daughter bought the rat poison on Sunday.
“I’m heartbroken that she decided to take her life without talking to me or her siblings,” she said.
The last words her daughter told her were, “I love you,” when Mpho left home for school.
“There was nothing amiss about her. She was happy and her normal self. It breaks my heart that I didn’t see that she was in some sort of pain.”
Tsakani police spokesperson Warrant Officer Lebohang Ramaesa said they have opened an inquest, and investigations are underway.
In a separate incident, two siblings – a boy aged 10 and his sister, 11 – and their cousin, 8, from Evaton Primary School in Sebokeng died of suspected poisoning on Monday morning at school.
They told their teachers they had eaten pap and milk for breakfast at home and were given biscuits by their stepfather on their way to school.
Evaton SAPS spokesperson Constable Thulisile Msibi confirmed that police have opened an inquest into the deaths of the three learners.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said the loss of these young lives deeply saddens the education department.
“Our support team will be sent to help everyone affected. We urge learners to seek help from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group by calling their 24-hour helpline at 0800 6878 88 if they are struggling or feeling overwhelmed,” he said.
