Komapes get part of compensation

Department of Eduction pays R100 000 for now

Michael Komape’s family has received more than R100 000 after the Department of Basic Education agreed to settle part of their civil lawsuit claim.

The family is demanding compensation from the state after Michael drowned inside a pit latrine at the Mahlodumela Primary School in Chebeng village in 2014.

The case is expected to conclude next year with lawyers on both sides expected to deliver closing arguments on February 1-2.

The department agreed to settle part of the claim after negotiations between the parties on November 16. The family is still demanding R940 000 for emotional trauma and R2-million for grief.

The settlement, which was made an official order of the court on November 17, resulted in the family being awarded R79 000 for past and future psychological fees as well as R34 000 for funeral costs.

They also received a further R21 000 for loss of income after Michael’s mother Rosina Komape lost her employment as a domestic worker.

Rosina testified that the trauma of her son’s death affected her ability to report for work. She said this resulted in her employer replacing her with someone else.

The court also heard testimony by psychologist Stephen Molepo, who counselled members of the family, that the Komapes were all unemployed and that it played a huge part in prolonging their healing process as they did not have anything to distract them from thinking about their loss.

Makoma Rasekgala, a senior official at the department, testified that they donated R8 180 in groceries for Michael’s funeral and also bought gas as well as visiting the family to offer their condolences. The family’s lawyer, Advocate Vincent Maleka, said Rasekgala’s testimony was irrelevant.