Gauteng Education Department Mourns Tragic Loss of Learners in Hennops River Incident

The Gauteng Education Department expresses profound sadness over the tragic drowning of two learners in the Hennops River near Centurion, south of Pretoria, during a school excursion yesterday.

According to Steve Mabona, the department’s spokesperson, the two learners, aged 13 and 16, were participating in a discipline camp organized by the non-governmental organization Rising Star Generation in Pretoria since Friday. They were scheduled to return on Monday.

It is reported that one of the learners ran toward a nearby river close to the campsite entrance. Subsequently, another learner attempted to rescue their peer but tragically, both drowned.

Mabona confirms that the police were able to recover their bodies.

He states, “Our psychology team will be dispatched tomorrow to provide necessary counseling at the school. The MEC expressed our deep sorrow over these unfortunate deaths that occurred during a school excursion. On behalf of the department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to both families and the school community.”