Recently, two young girls reportedly drowned in a swimming at a hotel in Durban South Beach. Image: Stock/Canva
Independent firm to probe Gauteng Grade six learner’s death
Mandla Chauke, a Grade six learner from Refalotse Primary School in Tshwane drowned in a swimming pool during a school trip.
Recently, two young girls reportedly drowned in a swimming at a hotel in Durban South Beach. Image: Stock/Canva
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has confirmed that an independent investigative law firm will probe the circumstances surrounding the death of a Grade six learner who passed during a school trip.
Mandla Chauke, a Grade six learner at Refalotse Primary School in Winterveldt, Tshwane, reportedly passed away on Friday, 2 December, when he became unresponsive in a swimming pool during a school trip.
PROBE INTO GRADE SIX LEARNER’S DEATH
Chiloane visited Refalotse Primary School on Tuesday, 6 December, and also visited the learner’s family to convey his condolences, extend psychosocial support from the department, and assure them of the investigations that will ensue.
Chiloane said the Gauteng Education Department has decided to facilitate a process to appoint an independent law firm to conduct a thorough investigation to establish what transpired.
“This independent investigation will run parallel to the police’s ongoing investigation,” he said.
As previously reported, Grade six learners, accompanied by teachers and some parents, travelled to a resort on Friday morning for a school trip. Upon arrival, learners were assembled for a formal ceremony and proceeded to have lunch thereafter.
After lunch, the learners reportedly changed into their swimwear to go play at the swimming pools under the supervision of educators and parents.
Gauteng Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona said it is alleged that educators and parents were alerted by learners of a fellow learner who was unresponsive in one of the swimming pools.
ALSO READ: Body of three-year-old boy retrieved from pit toilet in Limpopo
