Pupil (5) killed by school lawnmower
GDE saddened by passing of pupil at a primary school in Soweto.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) is saddened and shocked following the tragic death of a 5-year-old boy in Grade R at a D12 District Primary School in Soweto earlier this week.
According to GDE spokesperson Phumla Sekhonyane, “Preliminary reports indicate that the pupil was run over by the school’s lawnmower. An ambulance was called and the pupil was certified dead on arrival at the hospital.
“The Head of Department immediately ordered an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, including how the pupil happened to be in the area where grass was being cut. The investigation also will look into whether any safety regulations or policies were breached.
“A team from the Department’s psychosocial unit has been dispatched to the school to provide counselling and pastoral care to the family of the deceased, as well as the community surrounding the school.
“The Department is unable to release the details of the deceased pupil at this stage as the next of kin is still being informed.
“We would like to extend our sincere condolences to the family of the pupil who passed away as well as to all staff and fellow pupils.”
