Minister Angie Motshekga conveys condolences to families of deceased learners and calls for thorough investigation
20 January 2020
The Minister of Basic Education Mrs Angie Motshekga is deeply concerned that the first week of schooling has been marred by serious incidents that have resulted in the loss of lives.
The Minister has expressed her sincere and heartfelt condolences to the families and school communities of the deceased learners and that of the principal who was shot dead last week.
Minister Motshekga has today sent a team comprising officials from the School Safety unit at DBE to support and collaborate with the Gauteng Department of Education in the investigations being conducted. The team will also assist in ensuring that the affected families are supported in these difficult times.
The Minister said that the circumstances surrounding the death of the learners must be thoroughly investigated in order to avoid similar occurrences in the future.
“We also appeal for patience, and urge members of the public to refrain from speculating, as we await the outcome of the investigations into the drowning of Enoch Mpianzi and KeamohetsweSeboko. Our prayers are with the families of the deceased learners,” said Minister Motshekga.
The department is also disturbed by the following incidents:
The drowning of Enoch Mpianzi (13 years) at a Parktown Boys High initiation camp at Brits
The drowning of KeamohetsweSeboko (12 years) LaerskoolBekker at the school’s hostel in Magaliesburg
The stabbing of an 18-year-old learner from Kopanelo Secondary School in North West
The torching of Khutlo-Tharo Secondary in Sebokeng, and Tokelo High School in Gauteng
The death of Mr Emmanuel Tshivhase (53 years), the principal of Jabulile Secondary School in Gauteng
The drowning of a Grade 11 learner from Mpolweni High School in Kwa-Zulu Natal, at Ballito beach
The Department would work with the affected provinces to ensure that appropriate measures are put in place to prevent unnecessary loss of life.
In addition, the department strongly condemns the torching of schools and theft of school property.
We have full confidence that law enforcement agencies will find and bring to book, those responsible for damages to school infrastructure. We urge communities to take back control of schools by safeguarding educational facilities, and reporting any suspicious activity at the nearest police station.
The Department of Basic Education will continue to monitor the situation.
Issued by Elijah Mhlanga on behalf of Department of Education, 20 January 2020
