A HUGE investigation is underway in connection with the suicide of an 11-year-old schoolboy in eSikhaleni two weeks ago.
Not only has the King Cetshwayo District’s Department of Education intervened with a purpose of attaining answers on what really happened, a labour relations team has also been tasked to look into the case.
The body of Lindokuhle Wandile Sithatha, a Grade 6 pupil at Bay Primary School, was found hanging from a rafter inside the garage two weeks ago.
From inside his pockets police recovered a letter which stated his reasons for taking his life.
The note revealed the boy was terrified of facing a teacher after losing an exercise book.
Since the Zululand Observer broke the story, shocked Zululand parents have taken to social media to express their opinions.
Although parents are sitting on different sides of the fence on who to blame for the incident, many have come forward and revealed their children have also faced similar encounters at the hands of a school teacher.
‘Unfortunately, there is abuse from teachers even in schools in better areas. They abuse children verbally and nothing gets done about it, despite people having evidence of the abuse,’ said Tiffany van der Linde.
‘This should never have happened because a better system should be in place to protect children from bullying and harm in schools from teachers and other students.
‘Children today can’t be children, they have so much pressure on them and a teacher can make or break a student. A lot of teachers get away with a lot because it’s the child’s word against theirs,’ said Lynette Arnold.
ALSO READ: Schoolboy (11) suicide tragedy
Innocent until proven guilty
According to King Cetshwayo District Education Director, David Chonco, the department has not found any evidence linking any teacher to the boy’s suicide.
‘The case was reported to the department and learners, teachers and members of the School Governing Body were questioned.
‘These are serious claims and police are also involved. We are working together to get to the bottom of it and we will leave no stone unturned until we get to the truth.
‘It is not for us to put blame on anyone without proof.’
In a surprising twist, the department alleges its investigation suggests the boy may have suffered physical abuse outside the school.
‘Teachers have confirmed he came to school with burn marks,’ said Chonco.
Learners at Bay Primary are currently receiving counselling arranged by the department.
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