Two Thembisa youths drown at discipline camp
“The officers responded to the scene where the bodies of the boys were removed from the dam and handed over to Erasmia SAPS detectives to initiate further investigation,”
Two learners from Thembisa drowned on April 15 while participating in a discipline camp along the Hennops River.
According to Gauteng Department of Education MEC Matome Chiloane, the two boys were learners at Daveyton Skills School in Benoni.
Tshwane Flying Squad spokesperson Sergeant Makwati Alfred Legodi confirmed divers from the SAPS Pretoria Water Policing and Diving Services attended the scene at Erasmia, Pretoria, on the day.
He said divers recovered the bodies of the two boys aged between 14 and 17 from the water.
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“The officers responded to the scene where the bodies of the boys were removed from the dam and handed over to Erasmia SAPS detectives to initiate further investigation,” said Legodi.
Chiloane said the two learners were attending a discipline camp held by the non-governmental organisation Rising Stars Generation in Pretoria from April 12.
The learners were scheduled to return home on the day of the incident.
“It is alleged that, after activities had been concluded on Monday afternoon, one learner suddenly ran towards a nearby river close to the campsite entrance. A second learner followed in an attempt to bring him back,” said Chiloane.
He added it was believed the learner who ran off jumped into the river, prompting the second learner to rescue him.
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“Both learners unfortunately drowned as a result.”
The MEC confirmed the incident was reported to Emergency Medical Services and police.
The department’s Psycho-Social Support Unit was dispatched to the school to provide trauma support and counselling.
“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate deaths of our learners during a school excursion.
“On behalf of the department, we extend our sincerest condolences to their respective families and the Daveyton Skills School community,” said Chiloane.
Legodi confirmed inquest dockets were opened for further police investigation.
“Anyone going out on dams, rivers or waters in any kind of vessel or for any activity is advised to only do so with a life jacket on,” said Legodi.
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“Parents of young children close to any open waters or rivers should warn them of the dangers of playing near water and should be supervised at all times so their whereabouts are known,” he added.
“If anyone witnesses a water-related incident on a dam or river it is essential to get more than one landmark to pinpoint the location so that rescue teams can immediately identify where to commence a search.”
