Tragic Drowning of 12-year-old Latoya Temilton to be Investigated

In the wake of the tragic drowning of 12-year-old Latoya Temilton during a school outing two weeks ago, the law firm Nchupetsang Attorneys has been appointed to investigate the circumstances surrounding the devastating incident.

Latoya, a grade seven pupil at Laerskool Queenswood, lost her life during a one-day excursion at the Wag ‘n Bietjie resort in Witkoppen, Olifantsfontein.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane (centre) was at the Laerskool Queenswood on 29 January 2024 where he introduced Nchupetsang Attorneys, the team that will investigate the drowning of Latoya Temilton

The school, Laerskool Queenswood, reportedly requested both pupils and Latoya’s parents to refrain from making public statements about the incident.

The details of the tragic event have prompted an official investigation to uncover the facts and provide closure to the grieving family.

Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane, who visited the school to introduce Nchupetsang Attorneys, brought up the need for answers regarding the pool incident.

He stated, “We need more answers around the pool, what happened in the pool, who didn’t do their work, who moved their eye from the children?”

Meshack Nchupetsang, representing the law firm, assured a thorough investigation, aiming to present a comprehensive report to the education department within seven days.

He outlined the scope of the inquiry, stating, “We are going to consult and interview all the learners who were involved, all the teachers, the principal, the SGB, the SMT, everyone who was involved in this regard.”

The investigation will also address allegations that pupils were instructed to retrieve Latoya Temilton’s body, adding another layer of concern to the tragic incident.

What’s next for the Latoya Temilton case

As the investigation unfolds, the school community and the public await the findings that will shed light on the circumstances surrounding the drowning and provide clarity on the events leading up to the tragic loss of Latoya Temilton.

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