GDE appoints lawyers to probe death of Grade R learner

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) has assured the family of a Grade R learner who died after being injured at school that the probe into the incident will be prioritised.

MEC Matome Chiloane made the commitment during a visit to the family in Soweto on Friday morning.

Manqoba Mnisi, a learner at Bernard Isaacs Primary School in Coronationville, died at the school last Monday.

According to the department, "the learner allegedly sustained injuries on the school premises. The learner sadly passed away after being hospitalised later that day".

His mother claims that her son was allegedly locked inside a classroom.

The GDE has roped in a law firm to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of the five-year-old.

GDE spokesperson Steve Mabona said that a law firm has been roped in to “get full facts around this sad incident”.

He added: “The law firm will be formally introduced by the MEC on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.”