Michael Komape trial
Michael Komape fell into a pit toilet at his school on 20 January 2014, and drowned. His parents are suing the state for approximately R3 million. They also want to compel the state to provide decent sanitation at schools across Limpopo Province.
Here are GroundUp's reports from the court case.
Day 9: State offered a pauper’s burial for Michael Komape
Department of Education contests that it could have fixed dilapidated toilets
By Ciaran Ryan
Law | 23 November 2017
Day 10: Calls for help from Michael Komape’s school unanswered for years
Former principal’s testimony supports the family’s claim against the state
By Ciaran Ryan
Law | 27 November 2017
Day 11: Court hears of witness to Michael Komape’s death
Boy who drowned in toilet could have been found sooner
By Ciaran Ryan
Law | 28 November 2017
Day 12: Lawyers for Michael Komape’s family demand compensation for grief
State admits liability; court to decide how much money to award the family
By Ciaran Ryan
News | 1 February 2018
Michael Komape died because he was a rural African child, says lawyer
Court asked to compel state to fix “dire” state of school sanitation
By Ciaran Ryan
News | 2 February 2018
Bereaved father starts drive to fix Limpopo schools
“I don’t want my son to be forgotten. I want his name and memory to live on.”
News | 20 March 2018
Dismay as judge dismisses damages claim for child who drowned in pit toilet
“Failure to award damages in this case stands in contrast to the damages that were awarded” to Life Esidimeni families, says SECTION27
By Ciaran Ryan
Law | 23 April 2018
Understanding the Michael Komape judgment
It’s a setback for the family, but it will help the campaign to end pit toilets in schools
Law | 10 May 2018
Michael Komape’s family to appeal Limpopo High Court’s decision
Family is seeking nearly R3 million in damages
By Ciaran Ryan
Law | 31 May 2018