GDE appoints independent law firm to investigate drownings of 2 teens at school camp
The learners drowned while at a discipline camp at Rock Falls Adventure Ranch in Centurion almost two weeks ago.
JOHANNESBURG - An independent law firm is on Monday set to begin an investigation into the drownings of two Gauteng learners during a school camp.
The Gauteng Education Department has appointed an independent law firm - Seanego Attorneys - to probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths of Siphamandla Peterson and Sibusiso Sibiya - from Daveyton Skills School in Benoni.
The learners drowned while at a discipline camp at Rock Falls Adventure Ranch in Centurion almost two weeks ago.
Come Monday, Seanego Attorneys will begin their probe, including taking statements from teachers, learners, their families and campsite facilitators.
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The law firm has met once with the families of Peterson and Sibiya.
Speaking at the school in Benoni on Friday afternoon, the lead investigator at Seanego Attorneys - Thembekile Graham - outlined the scope of their work.
"Whether approval was granted for the trip by the department, who was going to be responsible for the supervision of the learners? Where were the responsible personnel and educators at the time of the incident?"
He also questioned whether "the campsite had insurance" and "the conduct of the educators as well as the school management and principal".
It has emerged that the camp was not sanctioned by the Education Department, nor were there teachers or lifeguards during the trip.
A detailed report is due to be handed over to the department on 6 May 2024.
The teenage boys were laid to rest earlier this week.