Family of Michael Komape receives R1.4 million in damages
Michael Komape died on 20 January 2014 after drowning in a pit toilet at Mahlodumela Lower Primary School in Chebeng outside Polokwane.
POLOKWANE – Damages for emotional shock and grief to each member of the Komape family, worth R1.4 million was awarded by the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Wednesday.
The amount includes future medical expenses for each member of the family and is seen as a victory, given their appeal for damages had been dismissed by the Polokwane High Court in 2018.
Read more: Judge dismisses Komape family’s R3 mil case
Michael Komape died on 20 January 2014 after drowning in a pit toilet at his school, Mahlodumela Lower Primary School in Chebeng outside Polokwane. A civil claim was launched in the High Court in 2015 and proved to be an emotional and difficult five years for the family.
SECTION27 has since welcomed the SCA’s judgement in the case of Komape v Minister of Basic Education and others.
Spokesperson, Nontsikelelo Mpulo says they hope this judgement will bring some semblance of closure for the family and restore their dignity for the manner in which Michael died and the treatment of the family by education authorities in the aftermath of his death.
“SECTION27 wishes to express our gratitude to Legal Aid South Africa for funding our representation of the Komape family and their pursuit for justice,” Mpulo concluded.
