Gauteng Education will reel in a law firm to help establish how a Grade Seven learner drowned during her school trip with Laerskool Queenswood authorities at the helm.

The incident has been riddled with allegations that 12-year-old Latoya Temilton drowned during a school outing on January 20, when there was no supervision at the pool.

The incident took place at a resort in Witkoppen, Olifantsfontein.

Education MEC Matome Chiloane has recommended that an independent investigation be conducted on the matter.

“As such, the process of appointing an independent law firm is underway. The law firm will be introduced to the school management team and the learner’s family after its appointment.”

Chiloane said he is deeply saddened by the incident.

“According to information at our disposal, the school went on an approved one-day excursion to Wag ’n Bietjie resort. Reports allege that a learner unfortunately drowned during the excursion.”

He said police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“Our district and the school have visited the learner’s family to convey their condolences. The school held a memorial service for the learner on January 24, to commemorate and honour her life.

“We are devastated by this tragic loss. We convey our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and school community at large. We are hopeful an independent investigation into this incident will assist to determine what exactly occurred,” said Chiloane.