Pretoria - The Gauteng Education Department has engaged the services of state attorneys to settle an incident at Carter Primary School, where a learner's legs had to be amputated after a tree fell on him last month.
An independent investigation report on the incident found that the tree fellers burnt the tree in an effort to cut it down and in the process injured the child, who was inside the classroom at the time. His legs were cut by the impact of the tree falling.
The report also found that the school did everything in its power to ensure that the learner received urgent medical attention but found the school and the department liable for the accident.
Responding after to report, department spokesperson Charles Phahlane said the department was deeply touched by this unfortunate incident and has engaged the services of State attorneys to facilitate negotiations with the family's legal representatives to settle the matter speedily.
"The negotiations will look at compensation for the child and his family for the damages they have suffered as well as address the needs of the child, his ongoing recuperation and rehabilitation," Phahlane said.
He added that in the interest of the child, counselling support has been afforded to the learner and his family. Daily transport has also been provided for the family to visit the child at hospital.
"The school, the district as well as the MEC have visited the learner in hospital and had several interactions with the family."
