A REPORT regarding the death of Latoya Temilton, who allegedly drowned during a school excursion on 20 January has been released.
The 13-year-old grade 7 Laerskool Queenswood pupil died during a school leadership camp at the Wag 'n Bietjie Campsite in Olifantsfontein.
Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane shared the investigation report at the school on Thursday, 4 April. Chiloane commissioned Nchupetsang Incorporated Attorneys to investigate and compile a report on the tragic death.
"A post-mortem report confirms that Latoya's cause of death was indeed drowning. A few of the pupils indicated that Latoya couldn't swim, and they saw her doing handstands," the MEC said.
He said according to some pupils, there were no teachers when they arrived at the pool area, nor were there lifeguards.
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"Nchupetsang Attorneys found that the principal, deputy principal and a teacher lacked knowledge of the legislative framework for excursions."
Chiloane further said they noted the absence of parental consent, risk assessment and adequate safety measures, suggesting charges for contravention of various regulations, including Regulation 11, 8(1)(a), 9(1), and 10(2)(a).
Furthermore, it was recommended that the principal and teachers be charged for contravening Section 32(1)(a) of the Children's Act.
"Nchupetsang Attorneys recommended that the principal and teachers be charged with misconduct for providing dishonest and falsified information to the department or its agent following their testimonies which contradicted those of the pupils," he said.
Chiloane said the attorneys recommended that the current School Governing Body be removed and disbanded as it is non-functional.
He said Nchupetsang Attorneys said the Gauteng Education Department might face civil liability charges for the incident due to potential negligence.
"The attorneys recommended that the department compensate the family based on moral obligation, with the exact amount to be determined by the department.
"We've noted all the recommendations and are determined to implement them," Chiloane said.
Meshack Henyang of Nchupetsang Attorneys said: "The department must properly vet excursion sites, specifically taking into account issues of safety or either approves or disapproves the safety of such sites against the established requirements."
Latoya's uncle, Gordon Templeton said: "Please, we humbly ask you to allow us to study the investigation provided by the Department of Education. And only after that will we engage with the public and media. It's evident that litigation will be built criminally and civilly."
