Cape Town – A Tshwane grade 6 pupil died on Friday during a school trip, the Gauteng Department of Education has announced.
The department spokesperson Steve Mabona said the learner was among the grade 6 pupils from Refalotse Primary school who had travelled to a resort and they were accompanied by teachers and some parents on Friday morning.
On arrival, the learners were assembled for a formal ceremony and proceeded to have lunch therafter.
“After lunch, the learners changed into their swimwear to play at the swimming pools under the supervision of educators and parents,” said Mabona in a statement.
He continued: “It is alleged that educators and parents were alerted by learners of a fellow learner who was unresponsive in one of the swimming pools.
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“The educators are reported to have immediately removed the learner from the swimming pool and tried to resuscitate him while waiting for emergency services and police to respond.”
The pupil was declared dead by paramedics on their arrival.
Mabona said that police were investigating circumstances surrounding the incident.
“We are saddened by the sudden passing of one of our learners. We extend our condolences to the learner’s family and the school community,” said Gauteng education MEC, Matome Chiloane.
Chiloane was expected to visit the school on Tuesday.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
