Grade 6 Thokoza learner has allegedly taken his life amid bullying claims. Picture: iStock
A tragedy has struck a Thokoza primary school after a Grade 6 boy learner allegedly took his own life amid bullying allegations.
The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) said a Grade 6 learner from Khehlekile Primary School in Thokoza, Ekurhuleni, was found dead in a bathroom at home on Monday evening.
According to the department, the learner was found hanging at his family’s home.
“The GDE can confirm that an internal investigation to probe allegations of bullying at school has been launched,” said department spokesperson Steve Mabona.
“Police are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of the learner.”
The department said its psycho-social support team and officials from the Gauteng Department of Social Development started with the process of providing necessary counselling on Tuesday and would continue as per need.
The Education MEC, Matome Chiloane, said he was deeply saddened by the tragic incident.
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“We wish to express our deepest sympathies to the bereaved family and school community during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them as we navigate this tragic loss together,” Chiloane said.
“We are committed to providing support to the family, learners, and school community at large during this challenging time.”
Meanwhile, the department said it was aware of a video, which went viral on Tuesday, of learners at President High School in Ridgeway who were allegedly bunking class.
“The matter was reported following the school receiving a concerning call from a resident in Lion Ridge Complex, stating that learners from President High School were allegedly bunking at a house in the complex,” Mabona said.
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“In response to this report, officials from the school promptly visited the complex and, upon arrival, were informed by security personnel that Mondeor Police had already collected the learners.”
GDE said it has initiated an investigation and a disciplinary hearing against all affected learners would take place.
“We uphold the importance of maintaining discipline and ensuring that our learners adhere to the rules and regulations of the school. As such, we are displeased at the behaviour by these learners, as shown in the video footage. Learners must always be wary of negative behaviour which might implicate their future. We are working diligently to address this issue and prevent such incidents from happening in the future,” said the MEC.
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