North West Education and Sport Development MEC Wendy Matsemela is set to visit the three families of drowned learners on Tuesday as well as the school.

Three learners from Rustenburg Technical High school drowned during a school camp at Begheim near Rustenburg.

Matsemela said the school was on an approved trip by the department and the purpose of the trip was to give learners exposure of class.

“I am deeply shocked by the incident, as the department we going to institute an Independent investigation and wish to convey our deepest condolence to the bereaved families,’ Matsemela said.

The deceased learners are between the age of 15-17 years old.

Police Spokesperson Sabata Mokgwabone said the learners where rowing on a canoe which tipped over.

“Two of the learners were helped out of the water and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was conducted but it was too late, the third learner was found later,” Mokgwabone said.

“The department will work together with the school to support the families of the learners throughout these period,” Matsemela said.

Courtesy: http://www.thenewage.co.za