A tragic accident at Reagile Primary School in the Winnie Mandela area of Tembisa has left a community mourning the death of a 10-year-old Grade 5 learner. The boy was fatally injured on Monday when a goalpost collapsed on him during the second break, while he and other pupils were playing on the school’s soccer field.
According to preliminary reports, the child was among a group of learners who had gathered around the posts when one suddenly toppled, striking him with force. Despite immediate attempts to assist, the injuries proved fatal. Police have since opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, while the Gauteng Department of Education has promised a full inquiry.
Department Response
Gauteng Education spokesperson Steve Mabona confirmed that the department is working closely with law enforcement. “Police have started with their investigations,” he said, adding that the department would also conduct its own inquiry to establish whether negligence or structural issues contributed to the accident.
Education MEC Matome Chiloane extended condolences to the family, describing the incident as heartbreaking. He emphasised that schools must ensure that facilities are safe for learners, particularly equipment such as goalposts, which can pose risks if not properly secured.
MEDIA STATEMENT | Gauteng Education MEC @matomekopano is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of a Grade 5 boy learner from Reagile Primary School in Tembisa, after a tragic incident that occurred on school ground during break time today.
MEC Chiloane is also concerned about a… pic.twitter.com/xrvpGAjcoc
— Gauteng Department of Education (@EducationGP1) February 16, 2026
Safety Concerns in Schools
The tragedy has reignited debate about safety standards in South African schools. Parents and community members have questioned whether routine inspections of sports equipment are being carried out. Some have argued that the accident could have been avoided had the school implemented stricter safety measures.
This is not the first time such an incident has occurred. In recent years, several learners across South Africa have been injured or killed in similar accidents involving goalposts. In 2019, a boy in Limpopo died after a goalpost collapsed on him during a casual game. In another case in KwaZulu-Natal, a teenager suffered severe head injuries when a post fell unexpectedly. These repeated tragedies highlight a broader issue of inadequate maintenance and oversight in school sports facilities.
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