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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.”

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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

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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

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Law | 10 May 2018

Michael Komape’s family to appeal Limpopo High Court’s decision

Family is seeking nearly R3 million in damages

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Law | 31 May 2018