Rustenburg - Three schoolboys drowned during their land service camp at Bergheim Camp Site near Rustenburg, the North West education department said on Tuesday.
Department spokesman Elias Malindi said the three learners from Rustenburg Technical High School were rowing on a canoe on Saturday when the canoe tipped over.
“Two of the learners were helped out of the water, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was conducted, yet it was too late whilst the third one was found later.”
He said the boys, aged 15, 16 and 17, were at Grade 8, 9 and 10 respectively.
“The school was on an approved excursion by the department, the purpose was to give learners content exposure out of class.”
North West Education MEC Maphefo Matsemela expressed her shock after hearing the sad news and confirmed that the department would conduct an independent investigation.
“I am deeply shocked by the incident in which three learners drowned during their educational tour. As a department, we are going to institute an independent investigation and we wish to convey our heart condolences to the bereaved families,” said Matsemela.
Matsemela further highlighted that the department would support the families during this difficult period.
African News Agency