[VIDEO] Double suicide: Paarl rocked by tragic deaths of two pupils
Jade Gouws, 17 (left), Zara Malherbe, 17, (right) passed away at hospital.
The Paarl community is in shock and disbelief after two high school pupils from the area’s oldest school committed suicide 48 hours apart.
It’s believed Jade Gouws, 17, took her own life at home on Wednesday evening, while Zara Malherbe, also 17, ended her life on Friday, passing away at hospital.
Both girls were in Grade 11 at La Rochelle High School and the circumstances surrounding the incidents are unclear.
The school announced on their Facebook page that they’re in “deep mourning” following the deaths.
“La Rochelle Girls’ High School is immersed in deep mourning following the death of two of our Grade 11 learners: Jade Gouws and Zara Malherbe.
“While our hearts are broken, our thoughts and prayers are especially with their grieving families,” reads the post.
Jade was one of the most popular pupils at the school. She was part of the school’s recent production, The Greatest Showman, a musical drama.
MEC for Education Debbie Schäfer said she is distressed by the news and extended her condolences.
“I am deeply distressed by the news that two of our Grade 11 girls have committed suicide this week,” she said.
“I would firstly like to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the girls, their friends, teachers and all at La Rochelle High School.”
Schäfer said she has spoken to the principal, who is devastated but is providing leadership to the school.
“It is tragic that people reach the point that they see no alternative but to end their life.
“I urge any of our learners who are struggling to cope emotionally to reach out to their teachers who can assist in getting them the help they need, or to call the Safe Schools Hotline (0800 45 46 47).”
Counselling has been arranged and the school is being supported by the Western Cape Education Department.
Police spokesperson Sergeant Noloyiso Rwexana says the deaths are being investigated.
“Please be advised that a death inquest case has been opened for investigation after a 17-year-old girl was found dead at her residence on Wednesday,” Rwexana says.
“In a separate incident, on Friday about 5.30pm, Paarl police attended to a complaint at a medical facility. They found the body of a 17-year-old girl.”
While circumstances surrounding their deaths are not clear, social media users said examination and financial pressure caused by the pandemic may have taken a toll on the schoolgirls.