Pupil who drowned during school excursion was trying to rescue another pupil - GDE

JOHANNESBURG - The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said that one of the pupils who drowned in the Hennops River in Centurion was trying to rescue a fellow learner.

The boys, aged 13 and 16, from the Daveyton Skills School, drowned on Monday at a discipline camp.

The trip was organised by a non-governmental organisation (NGO), Rising Stars Generation.

Department spokesperson, Steve Mabona, said that the boys were apparently participating in a water activity when the tragedy happened.

"One learner suddenly ran towards the nearby river, close to the campsite entrance. A second learner followed in an attempt to bring him back.

"It is further alleged that the learner who ran off jumped into the river, prompting the second learner to try and rescue him. However, both learners unfortunately drowned as a result."