Two Daveyton pupils drown during school camp in Centurion
Two boy learners from the Daveyton Skills School in Benoni allegedly drowned in a man made dam at a private camping site near the Hennops River in Centurion during a school excursion on Monday afternoon.
The boys aged between 13 and 16 years-old were attending a discipline camp held by non-governmental organisation Rising Stars Generation.
The camp started on Friday and was expected to conclude on Monday.
Spokesperson for the Gauteng Department of Education, Steve Mabona, says it is alleged that after the activities 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.
"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.
"The incident was reported to Emergency Medical Services and police. Police managed to recover their bodies."
Mabona adds that Psycho-Social Support Unit will be dispatched to the school to provide necessary trauma support and counselling.
"We are deeply saddened by the unfortunate deaths of our learners during a school excursion. On behalf of the Department, we wish to extend our sincerest condolences to their respective families and the Daveyton Skills School community," said Member of the Executive Committee (MEC) MAtome Chiloane.
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