Earlier today (17 January) around 09:45, the police discovered the body of Enock Mpiazani (13) who was reported missing on Thursday (16 January), close to Brits.
Enock’s lifeless body was found in the Crocodile River in Assen, which was about 3 km from where he was allegedly last seen.
Parktown Boys’ High School issued a statement that stated that their Grade 8 learners went on an Orientation Camp, at a lodge near Brits, North West and the learners arrived on Wednesday (15 January).
Colonel Adéle Myburgh, the NW Police spokesperson states that the information received indicates that he and his fellow learners were participating in a team-building exercise where the pupils were all divided into groups and were instructed to build rafts and place them into the river. According to her, the rafts were expected to drift for 100-150 m. “The water current was very strong and at some stage, the learners went underwater as they were drifting. During rollcall by the teachers, it was realized that Mpianzi was missing,” said Colonel Myburgh.
Enock was reported missing the following day (16 January).
“The police immediately activated a search team consisting of police divers and K9 (Dog Unit), who searched until it became dark. The search continued this morning until his body was recovered,” says Colonel Myburgh.
Gauteng MEC of Education, Panyaza Lesufi visited the camping site and met with the boy’s family.
During his visit, MEC Lesufi tweeted posts that said “The rescue team has resumed their search. The boys will arrive back at school around 11 am. All sporting activities are suspended.
“The body of the missing learner has been found by the police. The family of Enoch Mpianzi was fully briefed and we are all devastated by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family and the school community,” MEC Lesufi said in a tweet.
Colonel Myburgh confirmed that a case of inquest has been opened and that they are investigating the cause and circumstance surrounding his death.
