---
title: "Pit-iful situation"
description: "Michael Komape, a 5-year-old boy from Limpopo, died in 2014 after falling into a pit toilet at his school The South African Human Rights Commission has ruled that the government is liable for Michael's death The family of Michael Komape has been awarded R2.1 million in damages This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of providing safe and adequate sanitation to all South Africans"
type: "NewsArticle"
publisher: "Daily Maverick"
site: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za"
section: "Maverick Citizen"
author: "2Lani and UBUNTOONS"
author_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/2lani-afritoons/"
canonical_url: "https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-03-14-pit-iful-situation/"
published: "2023-03-14T08:32:55"
lang: "en-ZA"
---

# Pit-iful situation

> Pit-iful situation

By 2Lani and UBUNTOONS · Published 14 March 2023, 10:32 SAST

## Key points
- Daily Maverick's got the scoop - South Africa's justice system is a pit-iful situation, and it's not looking like it'll get any better anytime soon. Get informed, get involved – it's time to make sure everyone gets their due.
- Michael Komape, a 5-year-old boy from Limpopo, died in 2014 after falling into a pit toilet at his school
- The South African Human Rights Commission has ruled that the government is liable for Michael's death
- The family of Michael Komape has been awarded R2.1 million in damages
- This ruling serves as a reminder of the importance of providing safe and adequate sanitation to all South Africans

## Content

![Pit-ful situation](https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/KOMAPE-MICHAEL2.jpg?w=480)