The MEC for education, Tate Makgoe, expressed great shock and sent his condolences to the family of the grade 7 learner who was struck by lightning at Kruitberg Primary School in Heidedal, Bloemfontein, on Wednesday.
Speaking from Singapore after receiving the message, Makgoe said the department was saddened by the untimely death of 12-year old Kgomotso Oliphant.
He said he was sad because he was told that Kgomotso was a very bright, disciplined and hard working young man.
The deputy principal of the school, Kobus Prinsloo, described Kgomotso as a quiet and obedient child who was always focused on his studies and loved extra-mural activities. He said, after the tragic incident, the school immediately called an ambulance which responded in seven minutes; however it was too late for the young boy.
“The paramedics did everything in their power for 45 minutes to resuscitate him but unfortunately he died on the scene. The school has lost one of their own and it is always heart-breaking to lose a loved one, so we are also sending our condolences to the family.”
After being informed about the incident, the department’s senior officials visited the school and the family of the deceased in Rocklands, Mangaung, where they paid their respects to the young soul who was lost in the sudden strike.
Speaking on behalf of the family, the uncle of the deceased, Samuel Oliphant, said the family is saddened by the sudden death of the young man who wished to grow up to be a prominent soccer star. He said what pains the family the most was that they thought Kgomotso would come back home after school, but instead what they got was a phone call telling them about his tragic passing.
Oliphant said the family has accepted their loss. He said the funeral arrangements would be finalised in due course.
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