A GRADE 6 pupil from Refalotse Primary School in Winterveld, Tshwane, died during a school trip.
Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said he was deeply saddened to learn about the incident that happened on Friday, 2 December.
Chiloane said that according to the information at their disposal, grade 6 pupils, accompanied by their teachers and some parents, travelled to a resort on Friday morning for a school trip.
“Upon arrival, pupils assembled for a formal ceremony and proceeded to have lunch thereafter,” said Chiloane.
He said that after lunch, the pupils changed into their swimwear to go play at the swimming pools under the supervision of teachers and parents.
“It is alleged that teachers and parents were alerted by pupils of a fellow pupil who was unresponsive in one of the swimming pools,” he said.
“The teachers are reported to have immediately removed the boy from the swimming pool and tried to resuscitate him while waiting for emergency services and the police,” he said.
Unfortunately, the pupil was certified dead by paramedics upon their arrival.
Police are investigating circumstances surrounding this incident.
“We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of one of our pupils. We extend our deepest condolences to the pupil’s family and the school community at large,” said Chiloane.
