A Grade 1 student from De Heide Primary School in Bredasdorp is lucky to be alive after jumping from a first-floor window while reportedly locked inside a classroom, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The 6-year-old had been hiding in the classroom on Wednesday morning when his teacher unknowingly left him behind after locking the door.
Around 11am, the boy was rushed to Otto Du Plessis Hospital after the fall and was initially taken to a nearby clinic for treatment. Fortunately, he only suffered minor injuries and was kept under observation overnight before being discharged on Thursday morning.
Community members who witnessed the aftermath described the harrowing scene, with one saying the child was found on the ground with blood coming from his mouth. ‘He was locked in the classroom during assembly,’ they explained. ‘He jumped out of the window and was unable to move afterward. The school took him to the hospital, and I believe he may have broken his arms and legs.’
Bronagh Hammond, spokesperson for the Western Cape Education Department, confirmed the incident, clarifying that the child did not sustain any broken bones or serious injuries. ‘The educator conducted a roll call at 8am,’ Hammond said. ‘The student allegedly hid in the classroom, and the teacher locked the door. The child then jumped out the window. An investigation into the teacher’s actions is underway.’
The school principal is conducting an inquiry into the incident, including assessing possible negligence. The matter has also been reported to the Safe Schools initiative.
Parents for Equal Education SA (PEESA) founder, Vanessa le Roux, criticized the teacher’s oversight, calling it a clear case of negligence. ‘How can the teacher close the class without noticing one child is still inside? The roll call should have flagged that he was missing,’ she stated. ‘This is negligence, and someone must be held accountable for what happened.’
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Picture: De Heide Primary School / Facebook
