Child dies at playground in East Rand school

A child died at a playground at a school in Tembisa on the East Rand on Thursday, the Gauteng department of education said.

"Based on the preliminary report we received, the learner sustained injuries while playing with other learners in the school's playground," spokeswoman Phumla Sekhonyane said in a statement.

Paramedics were called to Welomlambo Primary School but the Grade R pupil was declared dead at the scene.

"Officials from the department have been called to the school to provide necessary support and counselling to educators and learners," said Sekhonyane.

"Counselling will also be extended to the family of the learner."

Gauteng education MEC Panyaza Lesufi sent his condolences to the child's family.

"It is indeed a very sad day for us today, to hear about the passing on of a young learner, whose future looked bright and showed promises of a better life for his family, community and the country at large," said Lesufi.

"We wish the family of the learner peace and comfort during this difficult time and hope that they find solace in the knowledge that we too share their loss."