Nyati Bush and River Break have issued a statement detailing the events of the Parktown Boys‘ camp.
Nyati stated that an adventure activity known as a stretcher run was supervised by 17 of the camp facilitators as well as school staff members on 15 January.
The activity took place between 3pm and 4pm.
“Only one part of the stretcher-run activity involved the river. Participants, who were working in teams of more or less seven each, had to pass through about 20 metres of a shallow bend on the opposite edge of the riverbank, with one member on a stretcher which had to be improvised as a raft, supported by four tubes and the remaining team members supporting and steering the tubes and stretcher.”
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The statement said that eight facilitators were deployed to the riverside to assist learners and a number of staff members were also present.
They stated that the groups were eager to finish first and started to overtake other groups in the water.
“That created a dangerous situation as groups – despite clear instructions to the contrary – tended to move into the deep end of the river where the current was stronger than in the shallow water. The facilitators had to help three groups to get out of the water.
“At no stage the facilitators noticed that any of the group members were swept away, but the specific activity was immediately terminated when the dangers were realised.”
The campsite said that in the evening a roll call was taken by school staff where it was realised that eight learners were unaccounted for.
“Unfortunately, no roll call was held at the school before the departure of learners, so there was uncertainty amongst the school staff whether the eight absent learners were actually attending the camp at all.”
This contradicts statements made by an eyewitness referenced on a 702 podcast [Parktwon Boys High Tragedy Volume 3: an eyewitness account from a Grade 8 learner].
The campsite said that after the school contacted the parents of the eight learners, it became apparent late on Thursday morning that Enock was missing.
The Nyati Bush and River Break staff and management express their deepest condolences to the Mpianzi family.
They stated that they would provide full cooperation and assistance to all investigations as well as provide access to the property.
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