Tragedy struck outside Springhaven Primary School in Pietermaritzburg when a wall collapsed, killing a 12-year-old boy and seriously injuring his friend.
The boys had sought shade against the boundary wall after school, when tragedy struck.
John Samuel Pillay and Emery Tuyishime, both Grade 6 pupils, were sitting near the wall of a residential property, opposite the school, when it collapsed last Tuesday.
Emery was trapped under the rubble and was declared dead at the scene by paramedics, while John managed to escape with serious injury to his spine.
He also suffered a broken leg.
John’s mother, Indrani Pillay, said her son and Emery had been close friends for the last 18 months. She said John was traumatised by Emery’s death.
“He remembers clearly everything that happened. Since the tragedy, he calls for Emery in his sleep. I think he has nightmares of Emery being stuck under the rubble. He is being counselled by our pastor, who also prays for him. John sustained serious injuries. His leg is broken and he has bruises on his back, buttocks and spine. He turned 12 on Monday, and his class came to visit him. They tried to cheer him up by throwing him a party and making him feel special.
“We know he is lucky to be alive. We thank God He had His hands of protection over my boy. Without God, we cannot do anything. Every morning before he goes to school, I pray over him. I believed it was the same prayers that saved his life,” she added.
Pillay said while she did not open a police case, she was disappointed that the owner of the property, where the wall fell, did not offer them any support.
“I am a single mother and unemployed. To sustain myself and my son, I wash clothes, do ironing, clean homes and provide care-giving services. On Monday, almost a week after the incident, the man visited and asked John if he was sure a taxi had not banged into the wall, causing it to collapse. John told him that was not the case. He said the children sat there often and explained that the teachers and those who lived near the school had witnessed the wall falling.
“He's evading responsibility. He did not offer to pay for any bills. I have to go to the hospital again next week and the transportation and medical bills are too much for me. I am just praying and trusting God,” she said.
Ronny Moodley, the principal of the school, issued a statement soon after the tragedy.
“It is with deep sadness that we share the heartbreaking news of the passing of Emery Tuyishime, a beloved learner at our school. We wanted to reach out personally to acknowledge this loss and extend our heartfelt condolences. Emery was more than just a pupil. He was a part of our Springhaven family. He was a bright light, and had a kind soul. His presence brought warmth and joy to those around him. His absence leaves space in our hearts, and we mourn alongside his loved ones during this difficult time.
“We also acknowledge that John Pillay was with him and was injured as well. We wish John a speedy recovery and want him to know that he has the full support of the school community during this time. As a school, we understand that grief touches us all differently.
“Our children may have questions, emotions, or even struggles in processing this loss. We encourage open conversations at home and assure you that we are here to support our pupils in any way we can. Our teachers and support staff are ready to provide comfort, and counselling services are available for those who may need them,” he said in the statement.
Colonel Robert Netshiunda, a provincial police spokesperson, said Mountain Rise police have registered an inquest docket for investigation.