Matome Chiloane, Gauteng MEC of Education. (Photo: Provided)
The Gauteng Department of Education has appointed a law firm to conduct an independent investigation following the death of a ten-year-old boy at a school in Tembisa.
Milton Neo Mokgoatsane, a gr. 5 learner from Reagile Primary School in Winnie Mandela, died on 18 February after a goal cage fell on him.
It was earlier reported that a group of learners were playing around the goal cage on a soccer field at the school when a goal post allegedly fell on the boy, resulting in fatal injuries.
Matome Chiloane, the MEC for education in Gauteng, officially announced on Wednesday that KRM Inc. assigned to conduct the investigation.
Chiloane met with the Mokgoatsane family and formally introduced the law firm. He then went to the school where he introduced the law firm to the school’s management and the governing body.
During both meetings, the MEC outlined the purpose of the investigation, including its frame of reference and scope.
The law firm is tasked with making clear findings and specific recommendations regarding any legal violations and advising on potential disciplinary action.
The scope of the investigation includes, among other things, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident, the actions of relevant persons and whether the case was properly reported. “It will also investigate the cause of death, compliance with legal obligations regarding learner care, potential liability or failure by the department, the role of the school governing body and the provision of counselling.”
Chiloane said the department was determined “to uncover the truth about what happened”.
“We have full confidence in the ability of the independent law firm to conduct a rigorous and unbiased investigation. As demonstrated in our previous interventions, the department will not hesitate to take decisive action based on the outcomes of this report.”