The Kgotso Taole Secondary School in Botshabelo was closed after the death of one of it learners due to Covid-19 complications. The grade 8 learner, Mojalefa Thipane, passed away last weekend. 

The spokesperson for the Free State Health Department, Mondli Mvambi, says the learner’s death was only classified as Covid-related after an autopsy. 

The spokesperson for the Education Department, Howard Ndaba, says after it was reported that the cause of the learner’s death was due to Covid-19 complications, the school was closed down. 

Mvambi said a total of 34 kids died of Covid-related complications. He said 9 deaths were registered amongst children in 2020, while the death toll now stands at 25 for 2021.  

Ndaba says the school will be closed until next week Wednesday. This is the sixth school in the province that had to close due to the number of learners that tested positive for Covid-19.

OFM News