By: Natasha Archary
Gauteng MEC for Education, Matome Chiloane has confirmed the appointment of an independent law firm to conduct the investigation into the circumstances of Latoya Temilton’s drowning.
The 12-year-old Laerskool Queenswood learner drowned whilst on a leadership camp on Saturday, 20 January, raising safety concerns over school camps across the country.
On Monday, 29 January Chiloane visited the Pretoria primary school stating that the purpose of the investigation is to get the facts about Latoya’s death, and where need be, hold people accountable.
Nchupetsang Inc Attorneys has been appointed to conclude the investigation and will be consulting and interviewing all relevant stakeholders involved.
This includes learners, teachers, the principal, School Governing Body members, the School Management Team and the family.
Staff at Wag ‘n Bietjie resort, the venue where the leadership camp was held, will also be interviewed. Nchupetsang Inc Attorneys will inspect the scene, review CCTV footage and complete their investigation within 7-days.
“More so, the law firm will interact with police to review post mortem results, and interact with the family of the learner, particularly on allegations that have been circulating publicly.
The firm is scheduled to complete their investigation in 7-days, after which the recommendations provided from their findings will be stringently implemented by the department.”
MEDIA STATEMENT
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) January 29, 2024
Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano visited Laerskool Queenswood on Monday, 29 January 2024, to introduce Nchupetsang Inc Attorneys, which has been appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of Grade 7 learner Latoya Temilton. pic.twitter.com/kNRxxT6wLr
Latoya’s family were not present at the media briefing for the introduction of the law firm, as the family are still in Mpumalanga following the funeral arrangements for Latoya over the weekend.
Chiloane shared that the school has assured their full cooperation in the this investigation, which is crucial to determine allegations and circumstances surrounding this incident.
In an interview with the Grade 7 learner’s family, the circumstances around Latoya’s passing were questioned, and concerns over negligence on the school’s part were raised.
The family shared that other parents and learners at the school were asked to “keep the incident under wraps”, and not say anything on social media.
Latoya’s family called on the Education Department to ensure safety measures are put into place during school camps to prevent further tragedies.
Also read: 2024 NSFAS allowances confirmed
