Gauteng’s Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, expresses profound sadness over a tragic school excursion drowning incident that occurred on Saturday, 20 January 2024.
During a school excursion to Wag n Bietjie Resort in Witkpppen, Olifantafontein, a Grade 7 girl from Laerskool Queenswood in Pretoria tragically drowned.
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Current information indicates that the learner met with this unfortunate incident while participating in the approved one-day excursion.
Gauteng school excursion: Police probe tragic drowning
Police are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the school excursion drowning. Both the district and the school have extended their condolences to the bereaved family.
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In response to the school excursion drowning incident, MEC Chiloane has called for an independent investigation. The education department is actively initiating the appointment of an external law firm. Once finalised, the department will introduce the firm to the school Management Team and the learner’s family.
To honor and commemorate the life of the student, the school conducted a memorial service on Wednesday, 24 January 2024.
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Education department ensures transparent investigation
The education department actively progresses the investigation into the school excursion drowning accident, ensuring transparency and a thorough examination of the tragic events during the intended day of exploration and enjoyment.
“We convey our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and school community at large. We are hopeful an independent investigation into this incident will assist to determine on what exactly occurred,” said MEC Chiloane.
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