By: Natasha Archary
A report has found that Sibusiso Mbatha’s suicide was due to the Deputy Principal’s homophobic bullying.
On Thursday, Gauteng Education MEC, Matome Chiloane shared the results of the findings of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sibusiso’s untimely death.
The Grade 6 learner from Khehlekile Primary School in Thokoza took his life on 23 October, shortly after sending his mother a text telling her that he wants to end his life.
Sibusiso, who was just 12-years old was found hanging from the bathroom ceiling of his home.
The report implicated four officials from the school with regards to Sibusiso Mbatha’s suicide, including the Deputy Principal, the Principal, the HOD, and a teacher.
BR Rangata Attorneys was hired to conduct an independent investigation, which revealed that Sibusiso was reprimanded by the Deputy Principal after Sibusiso got into a physical altercation with another pupil.
“There was an altercation in class with a fellow learner, that didn’t end well and both boys were sent to the reception, that’s when one of the teachers confronted Sibusiso and concedes that he reprimanded the boy.
This reprimand was all over the media, it was about Sibusiso’s gayism and the boy being told to leave his gayness outside.
The evidence shows he was reprimanded for calling himself names, and was told he must do all those things outside the school.
We also know that the incident was not recorded as it was supposed to be in terms of the school’s policy, and we also dealt with the issue of the involvement of the principal, as well as two teachers who were exposed to the incident and how they handled it.
The evidence shows that there is substance and merit that the Deputy Principal indeed has incited and contributed to the incident itself.
There’s also merit that the teachers who encountered Sibusiso, also did not handle the matter properly, in terms of following the processes and protocols of discipline.”
BR Rangata Attorneys also found that after the incident at school, there was no post-incident care or counselling.
The recommendation was that the Deputy Principal be placed on precautionary suspension, while the other two teachers, and the principal undergo disciplinary hearings.
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