The Vosloorus community is reeling after the tragic death of 17-year-old matric pupil Thandolwethu Moagi, whose life was cut short after she reportedly fell ill at school and later died at J Dumane Clinic in Ekurhuleni. Her devastated family believes her death may be linked to food poisoning and is now calling for accountability and a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Thandolwethu, described by her loved ones as bright, cheerful, and ambitious, was a learner at Vosloorus Comprehensive Secondary School. According to her uncle, Kgaugelo Moagi, she began feeling unwell on Wednesday, 4 February, while at school. Around midday, she phoned her mother in distress, complaining of a severe headache and a racing heart, and saying she felt like she was dying.
As the afternoon progressed, her condition reportedly worsened. Friends contacted her mother in a panic, explaining that Thandolwethu was critically ill. Because her mother was not nearby, the family asked her aunt, who was working from home, to go to the school. Shortly after, Thandolwethu’s brothers rushed to the school in an Uber, where they found her lying on the floor, with foam coming from her mouth and surrounded by fellow pupils.
The family alleges that several staff members, including an educator, an administrator, and a cleaner, were present but did not immediately call for medical assistance. Instead, her uncle says she was eventually taken to J Dumane Clinic, where medical personnel attempted to stabilise her. Despite their efforts, Thandolwethu passed away within minutes of arrival.
The Moagi family believes the tragedy was made worse by what they describe as negligence on the part of the school. Kgaugelo said the family feels the school failed to follow proper health and safety procedures and did not act quickly enough to save her life. “When we leave our children at school, we trust that they will be protected,” he said. “In this case, that trust was broken.”
Adding to the family’s pain, they claim the school announced Thandolwethu’s death to pupils before informing the family. Kgaugelo also questioned why the principal, who allegedly said he was not at the school that day, signed the incident report. The family says they were only contacted by school representatives the following day, after they had already gone to the school themselves.
The emotional impact on the family has been devastating. Thandolwethu’s siblings are reportedly struggling with anxiety and sleeplessness, while her mother is inconsolable. The young pupil had been eagerly preparing to complete her matric and pursue her dream of becoming a medical doctor. On the morning of the incident, she had even sent a message asking for documents needed for her matric registration.
According to the family, postmortem results reportedly indicated poisoning. They claim Thandolwethu had shared a kota with friends but ate a pie on her own, bought from the school tuckshop. This has raised concerns about possible food poisoning, especially since several other pupils reportedly fell ill on the same day.
The Gauteng Department of Education has confirmed that an investigation has been launched. As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, the Moagi family says they will continue to seek truth, accountability, and justice for Thandolwethu.
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