Reza Saloojee: Gauteng Education offers pupils psychosocial support 

As Greenside High School comes to terms with the tragic loss of matric pupil Reza Saloojee, the Gauteng Education Department has announced that psychosocial support will be made available to pupils and staff.

The department has conveyed its condolences to the family and the school community.

Saloojee’s body was found on Tuesday after a three-day search by police divers and K9 units at the Vaal Dam.

The 18-year-old’s body was found about 100 meters from the spot where he was presumed to have drowned.

Inquest

Preliminary police findings suggest that Saloojee dived into the Vaal Dam on Sunday in an attempt to retrieve a fishing toolbox from the water while fishing with friends.

Gauteng police spokesperson Noxolo Kweza said Saloojee’s family was present when the SAPS divers found the body around 4 p.m.

ALSO READ: Body of missing matric pupil Reza Saloojee found at Vaal Dam [VIDEO]

“The divers began their search daily at 8 a.m. and finished at 6 p.m. The team was led by Warrant Officer CR Swanepoel from the Ekurhuleni dive unit. The team also assisted by the local police, who provided crucial support throughout the search. Vaal Marina police have since opened an inquest docket.”

Saloojee’s funeral took place on Wednesday, and he was buried at Avalon Cemetery near Lenasia, south of Johannesburg.

School pupil deaths

Earlier this week, three primary school pupils died in Gauteng on Monday from food poisoning, and one secondary school pupil died from a suspected ingestion of rat poison.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane expressed great sadness at this, while police are investigating the incidents.

Chiloane said he and his department were “heartbroken by the tragic loss of these young lives”.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families, friends, and school communities affected by these devastating incidents.

“Our psycho-social support team will be dispatched to provide necessary support to everyone involved during this difficult time,” the MEC said.

Chiloane strongly encouraged pupils to seek help from the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (Sadag) by calling their 24-hour helpline on 0800 68 78 88 if they are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, “rather than turning to such tragic actions”.

Additiona reporting by Nicholas Zaal

ALSO READ: Search for missing Reza Saloojee continues at Vaal Dam [VIDEO]