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By Johnathan Paoli
The Gauteng education department is finalising the appointment of an independent investigative law firm to probe the death of a Grade 3 learner from Alberview Primary School in Alberton, Ekurhuleni.
Gauteng education MEC Matome Chiloane has expressed his condolences to the boy’s family, the Alberview school community and all who knew him, emphasising the need for an independent probe to uncover the truth.
“In our pursuit of ensuring the safety and well-being of our learners across all schools, we expect this investigation to provide detailed facts around this incident. We are hopeful that it will uncover the facts behind the learner’s passing, ensuring accountability,” Chiloane said.
The MEC stressed that the safety of children in schools was non-negotiable and that any negligence, if found, would be dealt with decisively.
According to preliminary reports, the learner was allegedly injured while playing with friends on the school field during break.
Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital by paramedics, he was declared dead.
Department spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that an independent law firm would be mandated to investigate all circumstances surrounding the incident.
He explained that the investigation would go beyond internal departmental processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
“Once the law firm is onboard, the family and other stakeholders will be formally engaged for introductions and to outline the terms of reference,” he added.
The department’s psycho-social support unit has been deployed to the school to provide counselling and trauma support for learners, staff and affected families.
While no exact deadline has been announced, the department has indicated that findings will be shared with the family first before being made public.
It called for patience as the investigation process unfolds.
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