Gauteng MEC for education ordered to pay R23.5 million to injured pupil

The Gauteng MEC for education has been ordered by the High Court in Pretoria to pay R23.5 million in damages to a judge's son, according to a report on Thursday.

Christian Rabie, 23, suffered various injuries when he fractured his skull during a school playground game 10 years ago, according to the Star.

KwaZulu-Natal Judge Piet Koen was called to adjudicate over how much damages should be awarded to Rabie.

He was awarded R20.2 million for loss of income and earning capacity, R800 000 in general damages, R787 386 towards future medical expenses and an amount of R1.6 million as a 7.5% add-on for the cost of protecting the award, according to the report.

The judge ordered that a trust fund be established to administer the money.

The son of Pretoria High Court Judge Pierre Rabie, he was hurt in a game where older boys flipped the younger ones into the air in a cricket net.

During a break on July 31, 2003, and in grade eight at the time, he was tossed into the air and fell to the ground.

The court had earlier ruled that the department of education was liable for damages.

The department in 2008 appealed against the ruling that it was held 100% liable for his damages, but five years ago the court turned down the appeal and said he lacked the maturity to realise he could be injured.

He is now a law student at the University of South Africa.