According to the Health Department, the learner died as a result of a drowning incident at the Sterkfontein Dam. 

The department's spokesperson, Mondli Mvambi, says the learner was part of a group that had been quarantined at the facility after there was an increase in Covid-19 positive cases at schools in Ladybrand. 

He, in a statement, confirms that whilst the incident is still under police investigation, preliminary reports indicate that two learners went swimming without supervision, when one unfortunately drowned.

Mvambi further confirms the learner who went swimming with the 16-year-old, survived. He highlights that the families of the affected four remaining learners have been notified and are undergoing counselling.

"The police are investigating the matter in detail because this unfortunate incident happened in a place where the learners were without authorisation from the facility and its management," said Mvambi.

Meanwhile, the Free State Education Department is yet to respond to OFM News' inquiry.

OFM News