A 10-year-old Grade 5 learner has tragically died after a goal post allegedly fell on him during break time at Reagile Primary School in the Winnie Mandela area of Tembisa on Monday.
Gauteng Department of Education spokesperson, Steve Mabona, confirmed that the incident occurred on Monday on the school premises.
Mabona said that according to preliminary reports, a group of learners, including the deceased, were playing around the soccer posts during second break when one of the goal posts reportedly collapsed and struck the boy, causing severe injuries.
“Paramedics were immediately summoned to the school and arrived within about 20 minutes. Despite efforts to resuscitate the child, he succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at the scene,” he said.
South African Police Service are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Mabona added that the department will also conduct its own internal enquiry.
Gauteng MEC for Education Matome Chiloane expressed deep sadness over the learner’s passing.
“The Department is deeply saddened by this tragic incident. We wish to convey our heartfelt condolences to the learner’s family, fellow learners, educators, and the entire school community,” Chiloane said.
Meanwhile, the department has deployed its Psycho-Social Support Unit to the school to provide counselling and emotional support to learners, educators and the bereaved family during what it described as an extremely difficult time.
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Sinenhlanhla Masilela
iol.co.za
