MEC for Education in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi has confirmed that the body of Enock Mpianzi, the Parktown Boys’ High School pupil who went missing during an orientation camp in the North West province, has been found by police.
Panyaza said the boys family had been briefed about the discovery.
BREAKING #ParktownBoysCamp The body of the missing learner has been found by the police. The family of Enoch Mpianza was fully briefed and we are all devastated by this tragic accident. Our thoughts are with the family and the school community.
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) January 17, 2020
According to IOL, early on Friday, the school had said in a statement that it realised that the Grade 8 pupil was missing on Thursday morning.
“Police Search and Rescue are on-site and are already at work in the area of the river where a water activity was held after the boy’s arrival. The parents of the missing boy are at the venue.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this traumatic time,” the school said.
Meanwhile, Lesufi tweeted on Thursday night that he would join in the search for the missing boy.
I am sadly informed that during the Parktown Boys Grade 8 Orientation Camp in Mpumalanga, one learner couldn’t be accounted for after a water activity. Police Search and Rescue are on site in the area of the river where a water activity was held. I will also join the search
— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) January 16, 2020
He added that the orientation camp has been cancelled and the rest of the students have been sent back home.
The news of the discovery have sent shock waves through the country with people questioning the need for such school traditions.
People took to Twitter to express their views;
Orientation at a river?? A young boy who cannot swim would be too embarrassed to admit this amongst his peers. Please examine the indemnity form Mr Lesufi. Schools ask parents to tick boxes to avoid liability but this won’t prevent injury or loss of life.😔
— Natasha🇿🇦 (@Natz_online) January 17, 2020
I really hope this is not a situation of bullying or a silly game gone wrong. the boys who were with with him should have their parents called and be questioned. how can nobody notice ? one of the boys may know something. @Lesufi #ParktownBoysCamp
— 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐚. (@Heydavinaa_) January 17, 2020
This #ParktownBoysCamp outcome is really upsetting. Did the boy know how to swim? Was he given a life jacket? Why did the teachers on duty only realise the next morning? Everyone involved must be held responsible.
— altaz (@tazzeg) January 17, 2020
We take a lot of things for granted. My baby cousin returned from school camp on Monday. Safe and sound. One realizes the unmerited favor from God when they see stories such as that of the missing boy from #ParktownBoysCamp
Praying for his safe return🙏🏽— Victoria. (@KatMarumo) January 17, 2020
We don’t send our kids to Schools to DIE! Stop the STRANGE PRACTICEs! #ParktownBoysCamp
— African (@ali_naka) January 17, 2020
I am so sorry boy. So sorry. May your parents find peace. #ParktownBoysCamp pic.twitter.com/O51Q5Rpcgw
— Thandile S Ntshwanti – umzukulu kaNonose (@ThisIsThandile) January 17, 2020
