/ 5 July 2018

Another child drowns in a pit toilet, this time at home

Unsafe: In 2014 Michael Komape drowned in a pit latrine and died
According to the Department of Basic Education’s audit, about 3 898 schools across the country were reported to have inappropriate sanitation. (Alet Pretorius/Gallo Images)

A three-year-old boy has died after he allegedly fell into a pit toilet at Diteteng village in Moletji, Limpopo police said on Thursday.

Police spokesperson Constable Maphure Manamela said little Omari Monono died on Wednesday at his aunt’s home, where he usually plays.

“His aunt took off his clothes and left him to relieve himself outside the toilet as usual. She was busy with her house chores when she noticed she had not seen the toddler for some time,” Manamela said.

“She searched for him without success, until she reported the matter to the police. They responded quickly, and a search operation commenced until the deceased was found inside the pit toilet.”

She said circumstances leading to Monono’s death were being investigated.

Parents asked to be vigilant

Provincial police commissioner Lieutenant General Nneke Ledwaba warned parents and guardians to be vigilant.

In March, a five-year-old girl died after falling into a pit toilet at a primary school in the Eastern Cape.

READ MORE: Another child dies in a pit latrine

Little Lumka Mketwa died at the Luna Primary School in Bizana.

She is understood to have been in Grade R.

Michael Komape case

In 2014, five-year-old Michael Komape drowned after he fell into a pit toilet at his school in Limpopo.

READ MORE: Michael Komape’s mother relives seeing her dead son’s hand inside a pit toilet

Limpopo High Court Judge Gerrit Muller ruled in April that two of Michael’s siblings be paid R6 000 each for general medical expenses.

However, according to legal advocacy group Section 27, which represented the family, the High Court failed to recognise the multiple related functions and purposes of compensation for the vindication of constitutional rights.

Muller granted the family leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal in respect of the R2m claim for grief the family had suffered, and for future medical expenses and loss of earnings.

The family can also appeal in respect of declaratory relief.

The judge has, however, declined leave to appeal in respect of claim for emotional trauma and shock. The family was seeking R940 000. — News24