Divine intervention called for as ‘evil spell’ permeates primary school

Classes have been suspended at Sithanda Sinako Primary in Komga pending divine intervention after three teachers and a group of pupils fell sick and blamed their illness on an “evil spell”.

The illness has been circulating at the school since last month, according to concerned parents.

The school management decided, after consultation with parents, that pupils would write their midyear exams outdoors on Thursday as they were too scared to go inside the school.

Three teachers reportedly became sick while the exams were in progress.

Pupils showed symptoms of dizziness, difficulty in breathing and mild seizures.

Traditional healers and church leaders were called to cast off the spell last week but pupils continued to feel sick.

A total of R3,400 was raised by parents to pay for the spiritualists.

On Thursday, a prayer session was arranged outside the school, with pupils, teachers and parents in attendance.

The provincial education department will send social workers to the school in a bid to counsel the affected pupils and teachers.

Nontsikelelo Kondile, whose child is in grade 3, said a teacher had phoned her at work on Wednesday to inform her of the situation.

“The teacher told me that my daughter had difficulty breathing,” Kondile said.

“When I got to the school, she had her tongue out.

“She was taken to Komga Hospital for treatment.

“There is definitely something wrong with the school.”

Simphiwe Tokhwe said his grade R son had also been affected.

“He had swollen feet and was unable to move when I was called by the school,” Tokhwe said.

“He had an unusual facial expression when I tried to move him.”

Children’s rights activist Petros Majola said he was informed of the matter on Wednesday.

“It was a frantic call, describing the pupils in distress.

“I was told some collapsed while others had their tongues out while struggling to breathe,” Majola said.

Provincial education spokesperson Mali Mtima said they were aware of the situation.

“On Friday, our psychologists will be dispatched to the school to debrief and counsel pupils and teachers.

“We have decided to call off classes until the matter has been attended to.”

Provincial health spokesperson Yonela Dekeda confirmed that seven pupils had been hospitalised.

“Five were treated and discharged.

“The parents of two of them indicated they wanted to take them to traditional healers,” she said.