Department of Education’s findings into bullied boy’s matter

The Gauteng Department of Education has revealed that no incident of bullying was reported at Drommedaris Primary School, following a suicide attempt by a former Grade Six learner.

The department conducted an investigation after the 11-year-old learner from the school allegedly tried to hang himself with his school tie on January 30 after complaining that he was continuously being bullied at school.

The child’s 63-year-old grandmother, who cannot be named to protect the boy’s identity, said she reported the matter to the school’s principal from 2015, but allegedly no action was taken.

However, the department has dismissed these claims.

According to the department’s spokesperson, Steve Mabona, an official from the district visited the school and met with stakeholders to help clear misconceptions that were spreading in the community.

“We arranged a workshop with the school safety committee to guide on how such cases should be handled and reported. “The principal visited the learner in hospital on January 31 and he was of good spirit. Our psycho-social unit has already visited the school on February 4 for further support and necessary counselling,” said Mabona.

Mabona said an attempt to visit the family and learner was unsuccessful due to the unavailability of the family as related by the child’s mother telephonically.

“We can also confirm that the learner and his brother have since been transferred to another local school from February 25 as per request of the parent,” said Mabona.

Also read: Bullied boy doing well after attempted suicide