Tragic death of Grade 3 learner prompts Gauteng education to appoint law firm for investigation
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said it’s in the final stages of appointing an independent investigative law firm to probe the tragic death of a Grade 3 boy learner from Alberview Primary School, in Alberton, Ekurhuleni.
The boy died on August 1, 2025, on the school’s premises after sustaining an injury at the school field that morning.
“The independent investigation will probe circumstances surrounding this tragic incident,” said the department spokesperson, Steve Mabona.
“Our Psycho-Social Support Unit was deployed to the school to provide necessary support for all who were affected by the incident. The family and all stakeholders will be engaged once the GDE has the independent investigative law firm onboard for necessary introductions and outlining of terms of reference accordingly,” added Mabona.
Meanwhile, MEC Chiloane expressed his condolences to the boy’s family, the school community, and all people who knew him.
“In our pursuit of ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our learners across all schools, we expect this investigation to provide detailed facts around this incident. We are hopeful that this investigation will uncover the facts behind the learner’s passing, ensuring accountability,” he said.
On Wednesday, about 70 learners from Gobisizwe Agricultural School in Ngqeleni have been hospitalised following a suspected case of food poisoning.
In a statement, department spokesperson Siyanda Manana said the province’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded earlier in the day to the incident at the school.
“About 70 schoolchildren were transported to Nelson Mandela Academic Hospital, Mthatha Regional Hospital, and Ngangelizwe Community Health Centre,” said Manana, who is the department’s Director of Communications.
He added that the team dispatched both ambulances and a helicopter to assist the learners.
“Some of the learners were on intravenous drips, and those in serious condition were airlifted to the hospital,” he said.
The learners were discharged on Thursday.
sinenhlanhla.masilela@iol.co.za
IOL News
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.