The Gauteng Department of Education MEC, Matome Chiloane has promised the family of Kgosi Maloka answers after he tragically lost his life while he was left under the school’s care.
Chiloane visited the Maloka family today, the 3rd of February 2023 to show his support and that of the department following the death of their son.
Kgosi (13) was a Grade 6 learner from Modiselle Primary School in Ga-Rankuwa. He died on Thursday the 1st of February 2024 after he allegedly fell out of a moving bus and was run over.
Chiloane said that the department is seeking answers of what transpired in order for them to report back to the family in two weeks. He added that the department will speak to reliable sources and conduct an internal investigation, however should there be a need to appoint an independent investigation he will look into it.
“We are trying to find out so that we can hold those who are liable to account, even if it is the service providers because they give a very critical service to our schools and learners. They have to be responsible and abide by the rules. They have to be consistent with what is expected of them in terms of the bus conditions, service quality and number of children on the bus,” he said.
The school’s principal, Itumeleng Matlhoko, said that he is very saddened by the incident. He’s recently joined the school but he’s described Maloka as a bubbly learner who was very active.
“We have lost a learner who we thought would be a better person in future,” he said.
The family representative, Dichaba Maloka said that this tragic event has left them devastated. According to the family, the department, school, bus company and the bus driver should provide them with answers and take responsibility for what transpired. Maloka added that upon arrival at the scene, he requested to speak to the bus driver, but was informed that the driver was taken to the nearest police station.
“I have tried to source information from the SAPS and they said they do not know, they have to take statements first. I tried to speak to the school and they also said they do not know. I was told that the relevant people to answer are the little kids who were in the bus,” he said.
This is the second reported learner to lose their life under the care of their schools. Latoya Temilton (12), from Laerskool Queenswood, allegedly drowned during a school excursion last month. An investigation that will determine what happened is currently underway.
