A law firm has been appointed to probe the circumstances surrounding the drowning of two learners from Daveyton Skills School. Image: Tshwane Emergency Services.
Law firm has seven days to probe Centurion drowning incident
The Gauteng Department of Education has given Seanego Attorneys seven days to probe the fatal Centurion drowning incident.
A law firm has been appointed to probe the circumstances surrounding the drowning of two learners from Daveyton Skills School. Image: Tshwane Emergency Services.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane has appointed law firm Seanego Attorneys to probe the drowning incident where two learners died during a discipline camp at the Rockfalls Adventure Ranch in Centurion.
The two learners from Daveyton Skills School, Peterson (15) and Sibusiso Sibiya (17) learners drowned on 15 April.
LAW FIRM TO PROBE CENTURION DROWNING INCIDENT
As previously reported, it is alleged that, after activities had been concluded on Monday afternoon, one of the learners suddenly ran towards a nearby river close to the campsite entrance. A second learner followed in an attempt to bring him back.
“It is further alleged that the learner who ran off jumped into the river, prompting the second learner to try and rescue him. However, both learners unfortunately drowned as a result,” he explained.
The bodies were recovered by the South African Police Services (SAPS) divers and the learners were declared dead by paramedics on the scene.
is alleged that, after activities had been concluded on Monday afternoon, one of the learners suddenly ran towards a nearby river close to the campsite entrance. A second learner followed in an attempt to bring him back.
“It is further alleged that the learner who ran off jumped into the river, prompting the second learner to try and rescue him. However, both learners unfortunately drowned as a result,” he explained.
The bodies were recovered by the South African Police Services (SAPS) divers and the learners were declared dead by paramedics on the scene.
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona said MEC Matome Chiloane visited the two families on Friday, 26 April, to introduce Seanego Attorneys.
At the same time, MEC Chiloane also visited the Daveyton Skills School to introduce the independent investigative law firm to the School Management Team (SMT).
Lead Investigator from Seanego Attorneys, Thembekile Graham, said the scope of their probe will, among others, seek to find whether the department is liable and whether there was any omission on the part of the department and its officials.
Seanego Attorneys must produce a comprehensive report, and its investigators will interact with everyone, including the educators, SGB, campsite facilitators, families, and learners.
Mabona said MEC Chiloane gave Seanego Attorneys seven days to complete their investigation.
After their investigation, they will present an investigative report with findings and recommendations for implementation.
Chiloane said that as soon as the report is finalised, they will ensure that all recommendations are acted upon.
“In the event of delays, we will interact with the families and relevant stakeholders accordingly,” Chiloane said.
