ERIC Nobin was shocked after reading the article on Thursday, May 19, about the Isipingo Secondary School learner who committed suicide after being bullied, little did he know that his son would be assaulted by other boys at the same school a few hours later.
ALSO READ: Bullying leads to suicide in Isipingo
Asanda Thethwayo, 16, died on May 14 after swallowing an overdose of pills with paraffin. Before slipping into a coma, she told her mother and grandmother that should she die, they should know that it was because of the bullying she was going through at school.
Just five days after Asanda’s death, Nobin said his 16-year-old son, Noah, was left swollen and bruised after a group of boys assaulted him during break. Photos showing the extent of the injuries were posted on Facebook by Nobin.
“With all these incidents of bullying taking place in that school, what has the principal and the teachers done to protect our children? Where are they when children are being bullied on school premises? These things have been reported to the principal but seemingly there is nothing that he has done,” asked Nobin.
He said they tried to open a case at Isipingo SAPS but were advised not to open one as it would have bad consequences for his son.
“My son has had some issues in the past but he has since straightened his life and has been a good boy. Last year there was an incident where he had an altercation with the landlord and a case was opened against him. Now I’m told if we proceed with opening a case or take the matter to newspapers, he might end up in juvenile detention centres,” said Nobin.
SAPS spokesperson, Captain Carmen Rhynes said the father and son are allowed to open a case at Isipingo SAPS even though there was another case opened involving the boy for an unrelated matter.
“This doesn’t stop the father from opening up a case if he and his son desire to do so. If they are not helped, they should ask to see the station commander in this regard,” said Rhynes.
The IFP has in the meantime called for an urgent inquest following Asanda’s death, especially the allegations that one of the bullies was accepted at Isipingo Secondary School despite being expelled from another school due to charges of bullying.
“We again plead with parents to pay close attention to any sudden changes in behaviour in their children, as this could be a sign that they are victims of bullying,” said the IFP’s Mntomuhle Khawula, who is a member of the KZN Education Portfolio Committee.
ALSO READ: Educate your child about bullying
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