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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - A Grade 2 learner from Kamdebo Primary School tragically lost his life on 9 February when he drowned in a farm dam.
Lariane Jaer (9) spent most weekends on the farm Villeria in the Aberdeen district, where members of his mother’s family live and work.
On that Sunday afternoon, he went to the dam with several other youngsters, and they all enjoyed playing in the water. According to Kamdebo’s principal, Daniel Pieterse, after the children had got out of the water, Lariane decided to jump in one more time.
When he was seen to be in trouble, one of the other boys tried to rescue him, without success, and then eventually he was pulled from the water.
The other children had no knowledge of artificial respiration, so someone ran to get help. By the time one of the farm workers arrived, it was too late, and he was unable to revive the boy.
Neither his mother, who lives in Lotusville, nor his father, who lives in Thembalesizwe, were at the farm at the time of the tragedy.
Aberdeen SAPS has opened an inquest docket.
A memorial service for Lariane was held at the school on Friday 14 February, attended by his parents and learners and staff of the school. His funeral service was held at the school on Saturday. His class teacher, Susan Syffers, described Lariane as a very enthusiastic pupil, who was always willing to assist.
“He was always quiet, neatly dressed, and never absent from school,” said Syffers. “We will miss him very much.”
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