BOY, 8, DIES AT SCHOOL - WCED calls on probe into death at Klapmuts Primary as community demands answers

THE community of Klapmuts is demanding answers after the tragic death of an eight-year-old boy at Klapmuts Primary School. 

The school is mourning Grade 3 learner Matthew Baartman who died on the school premises on Friday morning. 

The school took to their Facebook page, writing: “Our school community is deeply touched by the tragic passing of one of our Grade 3 learners, Matthew Baartman, following an incident that occurred at the school.

“On behalf of the management, staff and entire school community, we would like to extend our sincere, deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Matthew’s parents, family, loved ones, classmates and friends. 

“At this stage, the exact cause of the incident cannot yet be confirmed, as extensive investigations are currently underway.” 

Police spokesperson, Sergeant Wesley Twigg, has since confirmed that a post-mortem would be conducted to determine the cause of death, and that an inquest docket was opened.

“Klapmuts police have registered an inquest to investigate following an incident at a primary school in Klapmuts involving an eight-year-old boy on Friday, 23 January at about 7.45 am. 

“The victim was transported to a medical facility for treatment, where he was declared deceased. 

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation. A post-mortem will be conducted to determine the cause of death.”

A post on social media went viral claiming the boy drank water from a tap and then touched an electrical wire.

But Provincial MEC for Education, David Maynier, has cautioned the public against speculating that an electricity connection caused the death of an eight-year-old boy at Klapmuts Primary School but said its involvement would be probed.

Maynier said: “Our district team will provide support to the school community, and both SAPS and Safe Schools were informed of the incident. We will provide our full support to the SAPS investigation of the circumstances of the learner’s passing.

“We have noted social media speculation that an electricity connection was involved; however, this has not been confirmed, and the cause of death has not yet been determined. 

“The school dismissed learners after the incident and is investigating the claims about electricity to ensure that the school property is safe.

“In terms of the statement, it is disappointing to see such opportunistic behaviour from political representatives who should know better.”

GOOD Stellenbosch Municipality Councillor Marius van Stade said: “The community’s anger and fear are both understandable and justified. Parents gathered outside the school have expressed serious concerns about the safety of their children, and many are questioning whether sufficient measures are being taken to protect learners at the school.

“The GOOD Party views this matter with the utmost seriousness. Accountability, transparency, and urgency are non-negotiable in a matter of this nature.”