Parktown Boys’ SGB unpacks what happened at #ParktownBoysCamp
PARKTOWN – SGB says it only became apparent late on Thursday morning that a boy had gone missing, despite the water activity taking place on Wednesday afternoon.
Parktown Boys’ School Governing Body has finally issued a statement unpacking the events which took place at the Grade 8 orientation camp which was marred by the loss of learner Enock Mpianzi.
Media liaison Kim van Es said that the camp was held at Nyathi Bush River Break in North West from 15 January.
She explained the purpose of the camp saying, “The camp is aimed at introducing new Parktonians to each other and creating an environment which focuses on teamwork and the achieving of common goals through various activities offered at the camp.”
Van Es said that the head boy, deputy head, SEC members and seven staff were present alongside headmaster Malcolm Williams and senior child development and protection consultant Luke Lamprecht.
She explained that on Wednesday afternoon, boys were involved in a water activity supervised by camp facilitators, following which was a hike and supper. Then the boys slept in the veld.
“Late on Thursday morning, it became apparent that a boy had gone missing from the camp. Internal emergency procedures were immediately instituted by camp management, staff and members of the community.”
Van Es said that Williams then contacted the child’s father to alert him of staff concerns.
“At 3.20pm the headmaster again contacted the father to confirm that all efforts to locate Enock had failed and shortly thereafter transport was arranged to take the family to the venue. Two trained counsellors accompanied the family.”
She said that Search and Rescue were contacted who assumed control of the search.
On Thursday evening, the school decided to curtail all camp activities for Friday and return to the school with the boys the following morning after breakfast.
At 11am on Friday, the school was informed that Enock’s body had been found.
“The staff, learners, SGB and Parktonian Alumni express their deepest sympathy to the Mpianzi family following the tragic loss. The school community remains in a state of shock and counselling support has been implemented,” concluded Van Es.
The Rosebank Killarney Gazette has posed a number of questions to Van Es following the statement which we have been told will be answered on 18 January following discussions with camp staff.
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