The Gauteng Education Department revealed what had happened before the tragic drowning of two learners at a discipline camp in Centurion on Monday.

Spokesperson Steve Mabona said the two learners, aged 13 and 16, were attending a discipline camp held by a non-governmental organisation called the Rising Stars Generation.

According to the information on the organisation’s Facebook Page, these discipline camps are designed to change young people’s mindsets.

They also teach young people important morals to overcome behaviours such as disrespecting parents, laziness, bad attitudes, unappreciation, bullying, and smoking.

“It is alleged that, after activities had been concluded on Monday afternoon, one of the learners suddenly ran towards a nearby river close to the campsite entrance. A second learner followed in an attempt to bring him back.”

Mabona said it is further alleged that the learner who ran off jumped into the river, prompting the second learner to try and rescue him.

“However, both learners unfortunately drowned as a result.”

He said the incident was reported to Emergency Medical Services and police.

Police managed to recover their bodies.

“Our Psycho-Social Support Unit will be dispatched to the school to provide necessary trauma support and counselling.”

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane said that on behalf of the Department, they wish to extend their sincerest condolences to the respective families of the learners and the Daveyton Skills School community.

“We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate deaths of our learners during a school excursion,” said MEC Chiloane.

Circumstances leading to the drowning incident remain a subject of investigation by the SAPS.

The Rising Stars Generation organisation has not yet been reached for comment.

Also read: Two learners drown during school excursion in Centurion

Also read: Two east women arrested for illegally reconnecting electricity

Do you have more information about the story?

Please send us an email to [email protected] or phone us on 083 625 4114.

For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East

For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram