Pupils and teachers at St Andrew’s College are devastated following the alleged suicide of a grade 10 boy after he was sent back to school when tobacco was found on him at a school camp.
Thomas Kruger, 16, of Port Elizabeth, was found by a staff member on Sunday morning.
The tragic incident is believed to have happened some time between 9.30pm on Saturday and 9am on Sunday.
His body was found in the school sanatorium area where he allegedly hanged himself.
Thomas had been sent back to the school at 5.30pm on Saturday from a class camp children had been attending along the Fish River in the Cradock area.
Because no other children were at the school’s hostel dormitory at the time, Thomas had been sent to sleep in a room on the second floor of the sanatorium.
His body was found in the sanatorium area at about 9am on Sunday after a member of staff went to take him breakfast and could not locate him.
St Andrew’s College headmaster Alan Thompson said everyone at the school was devastated.
Thomas had been sent back to the school from the camp following a minor disciplinary infraction, he said.
“Tom had some tobacco products with him, which are not allowed, but it was not a major offence that would result in serious sanction.
“It required some follow-up at school, possibly a warning, and returning to camp,” Thompson said,
He said Thomas had been due to return to the camp the following day.
Asked about the camp, Thompson said: “The camp is a 21-day experience down the Fish River.”
He said the youngster had given no indication of what was to come.
“Tom interacted cheerfully with staff at school [after being sent back to school],” Thompson said
“He showed no signs of anxiety or depression, ate supper normally, watched the rugby on TV and went to bed at the normal time.
“As a school we are devastated by this incident, and our love and prayers at the moment are with the Kruger family – a much-loved and respected family in our community,” Thompson said.
Family friend Brett Sievwright said the family did not want to talk at the moment.
“We are all devastated by this and the family request their privacy during this very challenging time,” he said.
Police spokesperson Captain Mali Govender confirmed that an inquest case was under investigation.