One of the boys who drowned in a discipline camp in Centurion was trying to rescue a schoolmate who jumped into the river, said the Gauteng Department of Education.
Spokesperson Steve Mabona said the camp, facilitated by the non-governmental organisation Rising Stars Generation, started on Friday and was scheduled to end on Monday.
"It is alleged that, after activities had been concluded on Monday afternoon, one of the pupils suddenly ran towards a nearby river close to the campsite entrance. A second pupil followed in an attempt to bring him back. It is further alleged that the pupil who ran off jumped into the river, prompting the second pupil to try and rescue him. However, both pupils unfortunately drowned as a result," he said.