Probe into circumstances around death of a Swakopmund pupil in class

The Erongo education directorate is investigating the events that unfolded at Swakopmund Secondary School (SSS) yesterday morning after Grade 9 pupil Benjamin Sheelongo (15) died, leading to allegations of poor crisis management at the school and mass hysteria among pupils.

Erongo education director Ernfriede Stephanus issued a statement noting that the guardian inspector of education and the chief education officer for planning and development were informed and visited the school.

When questioned about the poor crisis management allegations, Stephanus said this is being investigated.

“Apparently, the boy was slapped by a teacher. Someone sent posts from social media.”

Erongo police spokesperson inspector Ileni Shapumba also issued an incident report.

“While attending the class, he collapsed and passed away. The rescue services were summoned and upon arrival, Benjamin was declared lifeless by the paramedics. No foul play is suspected. Investigations continue,” said Shapumba.

The classroom environment was reportedly initially rowdy, prompting the teacher to instruct pupils to take their seats. Shortly after sitting down, Sheelongo allegedly began having convulsions and fell to the floor.

The teacher then enlisted the help of a few pupils to move him away from the tables and other obstructions in the classroom. Despite attempts to give him water, the boy reportedly took a couple of deep breaths before his body went limp.

There was no mention of Benjamin or any other pupil being slapped.

“The teachers were told to separate [the kids], and they didn’t do so. We are now handling a mass hysteria crisis at SSS,” a paramedic told The Namibian.

According to the paramedic, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the situation escalated as teachers failed to isolate the affected pupils, leading to a chain reaction of psychological trauma (psychogenic shock – a sudden, temporary alteration in the normal functioning of consciousness) as a result of witnessing their fellow pupil’s death.

“Because you did not keep the children separated; you end up having collapse after collapse. The children need to be taken aside, and an adult needs to speak to them about what happened,” said the paramedic.

The paramedic said their advice appeared to have fallen on deaf ears as school officials told them the matter had been escalated to the regional education directorate.

Stephanus said social workers from the state hospital and the directorate are attending to the affected pupils, with some sent home.

“The kids were affected by the death of their friend and schoolmate, but the situation is now under control. Can you please give us the space to investigate and report back,” she said.

Calls to the school principal, Sinvula Sibanga, went unanswered at the time of going to print.