Watch: Family demands answers after boy’s (8) death at an Alberton primary school
A young boy tragically died on August 1 after getting injured while playing with his friends on the school’s sports field.
The Mapheelle family are demanding answers after Larona Musa Mapheelle (8) tragically died on August 1 after getting injured while playing with his friends on the school’s field.
Larona’s death was confirmed to the Alberton Record by Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) spokesperson Steve Mabona on August 6.
“A grade three boy learner was allegedly injured while playing with friends on the field during break at Alberview Primary School. Consequently, the paramedics rushed the child to a medical facility, and he was unfortunately declared dead,” said Mabona in the statement.
Mapheelle family speaks out
The Mapheelle family held a press briefing on August 15 at their Monaheng home in Katlehong, and has released details about what happened on the day Larona died.
The family’s version of events is contained in a statement shared with the media.
@albertonrecord The Mapheelle held a media briefing at their Monaheng home, in Katlehong, following the death of Alberview Primary School learner, Larona Mapheelle (8) on August 1. #GDE #alberviewprimaryschool #LaronaMapheelle
According to the statement: “On August 1, Tebello Mapheelle (deceased learner’s mother) did everything to prepare the eight-year-old for school. She supervised his bathing, packed his lunch box and watched as he enjoyed his breakfast. Ever jovial and looking forward to another school day, Larona was all smiles and happy as he bid his mother goodbye.
“At around 10:00, a call was made to Nyakallo Mapheelle. There was an accident at the school involving Larona, and her mother should rush there. A second call came while Tebello, his mother, and his grandfather were on the way. They had to change direction; Larona was already admitted at Netcare Alberton Hospital. Within three hours of the first call, Larona was no more,” reads the statement.
In the hospital’s comfort room, a doctor who was treating Larona explained that the hospital did everything it could to save his life, but the boy did not make it.
It is alleged that a sharp object broke into his skull. He bled internally, and nothing could be done to save his life.
@albertonrecord An educator was allegedly alerted to the incident by a boy who came running and reportedly said “… my friend is dying.” #GDE #alberviewprimaryschool #LaronaMapheelle
The Mapheelles demanded a meeting with the school to find out what led to their son’s death.
Alberview Primary School management, the school governing body (SGB), officials from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) and the Mapheelles met at the school on Monday, August 4. At the meeting, the Mapheelles questioned the circumstances that led to their son’s death and demanded to be taken to the place where Larona had been injured, to inspect the scene.
Alberview Primary School preliminary findings
According to what was relayed to the Mapheelle family by the school, the following occurred:
It was during the 10:00 school break, and the children were scattered on the school grounds, playing. There were educators supervising learners.
- A group of boys were playing around one of the football goalposts at the far end of the field, and Larona was one of them. This group was split into two. Other boys were climbing the back of the goalpost using the net as a jungle gym. Larona was in front of the goalpost.
- The weight of the climbing boys forced the goalpost to tip over. The crossbar of the goalpost fell on Larona and rested on his body. As this was unfolding, an educator was supervising another group of boys with her back to Larona’s group.
- The educator was alerted to the incident by a boy who came running towards her. He said: “My friend is dying.” The educator sprinted to the opposite side to find Larona trapped under the goalpost.
- The educator and the boys managed to lift the goalpost off Larona’s body. Another educator joined, and CPR was performed on Larona. An ambulance was called, and within 15 minutes it had arrived. Larona, accompanied by an educator, was transported to the hospital.
These allegations are contained in a press statement released by the family:
“The school organised a memorial service for Larona on August 7 at the school hall. GDE had decided to close the school at 10:00 on the day. To the family’s dismay and shock, no learners were allowed to attend the service. A group of parents, whose children were part of Larona’s rugby team, visited the family to express their condolences.
“The parents told us the school turned down their request to attend the memorial service,” reads the statement.
On August 8, the Alberton Record sought comment from Alberview Primary School principal, Janine van der Merwe. No comment had been received from the school or its management at the time of publishing.
Commenting on why they went public with what happened to their son, the Mapheelles said: “It is our civil duty, as a family, to make sure the circumstances and the reasons for the death of our son, grandson, nephew and cousin do not become the fate of another family.”
GDE’s press statement
The Alberton Record sought comment from the GDE, which said: “GDE is finalising the process of appointing an independent investigative law firm to probe the tragic death of a grade three boy learner from Alberview Primary School in Alberton, Ekurhuleni. It is alleged that the learner passed away at hospital on Friday, August 1, after sustaining an injury at the school field that morning. The independent investigation will probe circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.
@albertonrecord The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) released a statement: “GDE is finalising the process of appointing an independent investigative law firm to probe the tragic death of a grade three boy learner from Alberview Primary School, in Alberton, Ekurhuleni.” #GDE #alberviewprimaryschool #LaronaMapheelle
“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.
“We express our deepest condolences to the family, his school community, and all who knew him. In our pursuit of ensuring the safety and wellbeing 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,” said Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane.
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