Teachers suspended from school for the blind after child's drowning

Three teachers from the Christiana School for the Blind have been suspended following the drowning of a nine-year-old partially blind pupil, the North West education department said on Wednesday.

Provincial education spokesman Brian Setswambung said the three were suspended based on the outcome of a preliminary investigation.

"The department thinks that there is a prima facie [at first sight] case of negligence," he said.

Grade two pupil Sikhona Mogapi drowned in the school's swimming pool on September 15.

Sergeant Kealeboga Molale said at the time it was believed that Mogapi climbed over the swimming pool fence. He had no visible injuries.

Education MEC Wendy Matsemela said in a statement on Wednesday that a task team probing the incident would submit a report soon.

She said there were strict measures in place to safeguard pupils and teachers from "any possible threats and hazards within the school environment".

"The department is committed to ensuring a safe and happy environment for our learners," she said.