Pretoria - The Gauteng Education Department has appointed an independent legal team to investigate an incident in which a five-year-old boy lost his legs after a tree fell on him.
Last Friday, a Grade R boy from Alexandra was struck by a falling tree while in the classroom with his classmates.
Department spokesperson Charles Phahlane said where an adverse finding is made on state liability, the department was willing to enter into discussions with the family to expedite the matter in a humane and sensitive way in the best interest of the child.
"The firm has already contacted the family to request them to provide the department with their attorney, who will represent their interests with a view to find an amicable settlement of the matter.
"The family has also been advised to approach the Legal Aid Board in the event they cannot afford the services of an attorney who will interact with our attorney to settle the matter," Phahlane said on Tuesday.
Phahlane said the department was deeply concerned about the wellbeing of the child and had deep compassion for the suffering of the little boy and anguish of the parents.
"The best interests of the child in this matter are of paramount importance, the department would like the legalities of this matter expedited so that the child can continue to receive the necessary care and support, even after he is discharged from hospital.
"The child is making progress in hospital... psychologists have made contact with the family to provide counselling services for all affected and will continue to support the child," Phahlane said.
Meanwhile, a memorial service for Louise de Waal, who was abducted last week on her way to school, will be held on Wednesday at Hoerskool Die Burger (Exhibition Rd, Florida Glen).
Her burnt body was found on a farm in Magaliesberg, northwest of Johannesburg.
