The winning goal was supposed to be a moment of joy, but it ended in tragedy for little Neo Mokgwajana.
The 10-year-old Grade 5 pupil at Reagile Primary School in Winnie Mandela, Thembisa, was killed instantly on Monday 16 February when a heavy soccer goalpost snapped and crushed his skull.
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Now, his heartbroken family say they are being kept in the dark by the school as they seek answers.
It was around midday as Neo and his mates played a heated game of soccer.
When Neo’s team scored the winner, the boys erupted in cheers.
In their excitement, the “champions” allegedly grabbed onto the goalpost to celebrate.
But the rusty metal wasn’t strong enough.
It snapped and came thundering down, striking Neo directly on the head.
Paramedics rushed to the school, but there was nothing they could do. Neo was gone.
Neo’s father, Paulos Magakwe, told Daily Sun that the principal hasn’t said a word to them, and neither have the kids who were playing with his son.
“Maybe these kids might shed light because we are in the dark,” he said.
Family spokesman Thomas Ndobe added that they are desperate for a report.
“We hope it will give us closure,” he said.
“We don’t understand how the school could allow primary schoolchildren to play without supervision. Had they cared to look at the condition of the goalposts. I believe where little kids are playing, there has to be some safety,” said Ndobe.
Meanwhile, Gauteng Education MEC Matome Chiloane visited the family at Winnie Mandela informal settlement to offer his condolences and promise action.
The MEC has vowed to appoint an independent law firm to probe exactly what happened.
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“We want to know the circumstances surrounding Neo’s death,” the MEC assured the grieving family.
Gauteng Police have confirmed that an inquest docket has been opened to investigate the tragedy.
