How kin took boy’s death
Michael’s relatives left traumatised
Michael Komape’s father harboured a deep sense of anguish and pain following his son’s death in a pit toilet.
This is one of the observations made by a psychologist who testified at the Limpopo High Court on Friday in the ongoing civil lawsuit against the minister of basic education.
Michael’s family is being assisted by civil organisation Section27 to demand compensation after the Grade R pupil drowned in a pit toilet at the Mahlodumela Primary School in Chebeng, Moletjie, north of Polokwane, in 2014.
On Friday the family’s legal team called Dr Stephen Molepo to the witness stand to give evidence on the psychological impact Michael’s death had on his relatives.
Molepo, who counselled members of the family after the incident, described how they showed signs of post-traumatic stress disorder and bereavement.
He observed how family relationships were strained as they found it difficult to communicate with each other or even speak about Michael.
A report Molepo compiled also notes how Michael’s mother, Rosina, as well as his three older siblings, were affected. Rosina felt extremely guilty for having sent her son to the school.
Molepo said the three minor children should receive further counselling to keep the trauma from affecting them when they reach adulthood. The trial continues.