The family of a grade 3 learner, Larona Musa Mapheelle (8), who died due to alleged injuries he sustained at Alberview Primary School, urges the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) to investigate the matter and provide a full report to them by August 31.

Larona’s aunt, Nyakallo Mapheelle, during the press briefing held at the bereaved family’s home in Katlehong, on August 15, said her nephew died after he was horrendously head-struck by a football goalpost when he was playing with the other children during the 10:00 break at the school premises on August 1.

“From the information we received is that Larona was playing at the field with a group of boys, and he was standing near the goalpost and the other learners were climbing the net, which was attached to the goalpost. Unfortunately, the goalpost tipped over, and my nephew was struck by the crossbar.

“Around 10:00, someone from the school called me and alerted me that my nephew was injured and I should inform his mother to rush to the school,” said Nyakallo.

She added thereafter, a second call came through to her that informed her that they should divert and go to the hospital because her nephew was admitted to a hospital in Alberton.

“Three hours from the first call, when we arrived at the hospital, we were informed that my nephew had died. The doctor in the hospital’s comfort room explained to us that they tried their best as doctors to save my nephew’s life. He said a sharp object had pierced his skull, and he bled internally, and nothing could be done to save his life.

“We are in possession of the medical report from the hospital. The life of Larona’s mother, Tebello Mapheelle, collapsed, and her world turned dark because Larona was her only child.”

She mentioned that the school only communicated with them the following day after the incident, on August 2.

“We had a meeting with the school management representatives, school governing body members, and Gauteng Department of Education officials on August 4.

“We were received warmly and felt welcome at the school. We simply wanted to establish the following things: what happened to my nephew, were there any educators supervising the learners at the time of the incident, and to inspect the incident scene,” expressed Nyakallo.

She added that the school said the learners were in the field when the incident happened.

“In the presence of the officials, they said during the 10:00 break-time, the learners were scattered at the field playing, there was a teacher who was supervising the learners, and a group of boys were playing at one of the football goalposts at the far end of the field, and Larona was part of that group; the group was split into two.

“The other group was climbing the net of the goalpost, using it as a jungle gym, and Larona was nearby the goalpost, and the weight of the boys forced the goalpost to tip over, and that’s when the crossbar of the goalpost fell on Larona and rested on his body, mainly on his head,” Nyakallo shared.

She said the school representative added that the educator was supervising the other group of boys at the time.

“With her back turned against Larona’s group, the educator was then alerted by one of the boys, who told her that his friend was dying.

“The educator ran to Larona, and with the assistance of the boys, she garnered the strength to lift the goalpost and remove my nephew. A CPR was then performed on Larona, and then an ambulance was called, and within 15 minutes, it arrived and took Larona to the hospital, accompanied by one of the teachers,” said Nyakallo.

She said as the family went to inspect the scene of the incident.

“We indeed focused on the goalpost and discovered that the goalpost is not mounted on the ground, and with the slightest touch, it can fall.

“We were told by the GDE that this type of incident is preliminary and a full report will be shared with the family upon the completion of proper investigations.  We are still waiting to get the final report,” Nyakallo stated.

The distraught and shattered mother of the late Larona, Tebello, couldn’t conceal her pain as her tears kept rolling down her face during the press briefing.

She said she is devastated and pained by the whole incident surrounding her son.

“I still can’t believe that my only child has died.”

The GDE spokesperson, Steve Mabona said the GDE is finalising the process of appointing an independent investigative law firm to probe the tragic death of a Grade 3 learner from Alberview Primary School.

“It’s alleged that the learner passed away at the hospital on Friday, August 1, 2025, after sustaining an injury at the school field that morning. The independent investigation will probe the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.

“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 on board for necessary introductions and outlining of terms of reference accordingly.”

He added that they express their deepest condolences to the family, his school community, and all who knew him.

“In our pursuit of ensuring the safety and well-being 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,” Mabona concluded.

The late grade 3 learner, Larona, was buried on August 8.