What began as a day filled with excitement and hope ended in heartbreaking tragedy for eight-year-old Lwazi Motuse, a Grade 3 pupil whose life was cut short in a devastating incident at his school in Daveyton, Ekurhuleni.
Lwazi, described by his family as a cheerful and eager child, woke up on the morning of Thursday, 26 March 2026, with one thing on his mind — a school trip he had been looking forward to for weeks. The outing to Gold Reef City, scheduled for later in the year, was all he could talk about. That morning, he rushed to school excitedly, determined to submit the necessary indemnity forms so he could join his classmates on the much-anticipated excursion.
But just hours later, tragedy struck.
While at Lerutle Primary School, a section of a wall suddenly collapsed, trapping Lwazi and several other learners beneath the rubble. The shocking incident left the school community in chaos, as teachers and bystanders scrambled to rescue the injured children.
Lwazi sustained critical injuries and was rushed to hospital. Despite efforts to save his life, he later succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family devastated and searching for answers. Six other pupils who were injured in the incident were treated and later discharged.
For Lwazi’s stepmother, Angel Moyana, the memory of that morning remains painfully vivid. She recalled how normal the day had started — filled with laughter, excitement, and anticipation.
“He was so happy. All he wanted was to go on that school trip,” she said, describing how he eagerly left home, unaware it would be the last time she would see him alive.
Her world came crashing down when she received a frantic message informing her that Lwazi had been seriously injured at school. Rushing to the scene, she found him lying on the ground, surrounded by people trying desperately to help.
Even in pain, Lwazi tried to reassure her. According to Angel, he told her he would be okay — words that now echo painfully in her memory.
In his final moments, the young boy repeatedly asked about his loved ones, particularly his father and younger brother. Angel believes his constant questions about his sibling may have been his way of wanting to say goodbye.
Moments later, he was taken to hospital with his father by his side. Not long after, the family received the devastating news of his passing.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and concern among community members, raising serious questions about the safety of school infrastructure. Many are now calling for urgent inspections and maintenance of school buildings to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Lwazi’s death is not just a loss for his family, but for an entire community shaken by the sudden and preventable nature of the tragedy. What should have been a joyful journey for a young boy ended before it even began — a trip he never got to take, and a future that was taken far too soon.
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