“He was told to leave the school premises because he was not wearing a mask, but he never made it home.”
These are the words of a saddened parent at Greenside Primary School, who was one of the people who witnessed the death of a Gr 1 learner after he was hit by a car in front of the school on Monday.
The parent explains that this ordeal hits close to home because she too has a Gr. 1 learner at the school that had also been sent home for wearing the wrong mask a week earlier.
She says her daughter is fortunate to have made it home. On Monday afternoon the community of Greenside came to a standstill after the child was run over.
Preliminary departmental reports received dismiss the assertion that the learner was turned away by any teacher or staff member at the school on the fateful morning.
This, however, contradicts statements by fellow learners, the community and the learner’s school transport operator. Departmental Spokesperson Tidimalo Chuene says the department is saddened by the passing of this learner as it is heartbreaking to see a life lost at such a young age. “The district office responsible for the school is looking into the matter for more answers and we are equally hopeful that law enforcement officials will provide more information on the matter in due course.”
The department has urged the community to stay calm while the police do their work.
Members of the community, however, spent the day protesting in front of the school gate, calling for the dismissal of the person they believe is responsible for sending the learner home.
Some parents even went as far as calling for the removal of the security guards along with the principal of the school saying they are not doing their jobs properly.
Police were on the scene to disperse the crowd.
Westenburg Station Commander Captain Maimele Pilusa confirmed that a case of culpable homicide has been opened and is being investigated.
The department’s psycho- social team was dispatched to provide support to the family and school.
Story: Umpha Manenzhe
