Probe launched into death of eight-year-old at Klapmuts Primary School

Provincial MEC for Education, David Maynier, has cautioned the public against speculating that an electricity connection caused the death of an eight-year-old boy at Klapmuts Primary School but said its involvement would be probed.

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, has since confirmed that a post-mortem would be conducted to determine the cause of death, and that an inquest docket was opened.

“Klapmuts police have registered an inquest to investigate following an incident at a primary school in Klapmuts involving an eight-year-old boy on Friday, January 23, at about 7:45 am. The victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment, where he was declared deceased. The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”

A post on social media went viral claiming the boy drank water from a tap and then touched an electrical wire.

GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor Marius van Stade also called for a thorough investigation and for accountability and transparency.

But Maynier said it was too premature to speculate on the cause until an investigation was conducted and cited that politicians were opportunistic.

“We offer our deepest condolences to the family and school of the learner who passed away on Friday morning,” he said.

“Our district team will provide support to the school community, and both SAPS and Safe Schools were informed of the incident. We will provide our full support to the SAPS investigation of the circumstances of the learner’s passing.

“We have noted social media speculation that an electricity connection was involved; however, this has not been confirmed, and the cause of death has not yet been determined. The school dismissed learners after the incident and is investigating the claims about electricity to ensure that the school property is safe.

“In terms of the statement, it is disappointing to see such opportunistic behaviour from political representatives who should know better.”

Van Stade visited the primary school following the incident involving the Grade 3 learner and said answers were needed: “The community’s anger and fear are both understandable and justified. Parents gathered outside the school have expressed serious concerns about the safety of their children, and many are questioning whether sufficient measures are being taken to protect learners at the school.

“The GOOD Party views this matter with the utmost seriousness. We will formally engage the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde, as well as the Minister of the Western Cape Education Department, David Maynier, to demand an immediate and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the learner’s death earlier this morning. Accountability, transparency, and urgency are non-negotiable in a matter of this nature.

“GOOD Stellenbosch will closely monitor this process and ensure that the investigation is not delayed, diluted, or dismissed. The community of Klapmuts deserves clear answers, and those responsible, whether through action or negligence, must be held to account.

“At this devastating time, we extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the learner’s parents, immediate family, and the broader Klapmuts community. No family should endure such a loss, especially under unanswered and troubling circumstances.”

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