Durban - A 13-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool during a physical education lesson at a Pietermaritzburg school on Wednesday.
Nthando Mabaso, a grade 6 pupil at Mountain Rise Primary School, was rushed to the Northdale Hospital where he died on arrival.
It is believed that the swimming instructor was giving lessons to a group of 10 pupils when they noticed that Nthando was underwater.
KwaZulu Natal police spokesperson, Captain Nqobile Gwala, said an inquest docket is being investigated by Mountain Rise SAPS and the circumstances surrounding the incident are being investigated.
The child's family could not be reached for comment.
KZN Department of Education spokesman, Sihle Mlotshwa, said they were saddened by the tragedy.
"When a pupil dies we see it as losing one of our future leaders. Our condolences go out to the family of the child, his peers and staff at the school."
Mlotshwa said the department was waiting for a comprehensive report from the circuit manager on what had transpired.
"Once we have the report we can investigate further."
The principal of the school was not able for comment as he was in a meeting with the Department of Education discussing the incident.