![[File photo] Police search and rescue vehicle seen in the picture below.](https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Search-Van-SAPS-Search-and-Rescue.jpg)
A grade 12 learner from Olien Secondary School in Fauresmith, in the Free State, has drowned in a dam.
The provincial Education Department says eight learners went swimming after school on Thursday. This after writing an English paper examination.
The Department says trauma counselling will be provided to learners and teachers.
Education Spokesperson, Howard Ndaba says the Department is also investigating the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
“It is with a heavy heart to announce on behalf of the Free State Department of Education the passing on of grade 12 Olien Secondary School learner on Thursday afternoon after he drowned in a dam at Fauresmith. This came after 8 learners were released from premises and decided to go and swim. Yesterday learners were writing English Home Language. The Department is investigating the circumstances which led to this tragic incident. The Department is saddened by this loss and conveys condolences to the family, fellow learners, and friends,” says Ndaba.
