By: Natasha Archary
The family of 15-year old Tiro Moalusi are planning on taking legal action against the school after the teenager’s suicide.
Tiro, who was in Grade 9 at PJ Simelane Secondary School, was reportedly mocked by a teacher over his sexuality.
According to Tiro’s family, a teacher at the school mocked him for being gay, and called him “Sis Bhuti”, or “sissy boy” in front of his classmates.
Tiro returned home from school on 16 August, showing no apparent signs of distress but started vomiting after having supper with his aunt.
A few moments before he collapsed in the bathroom, the teenager broke down with his aunt telling her what happened at school.
The emotional youngster questioned whether he would always be the centre of all jokes because of his sexuality.
Tiro then confessed to his aunt that he had drank rat poison because he didn’t want to be ridiculed anymore.
His aunt then rushed him to hospital but Tiro Moalusi was pronounced dead.
The Moalusi family said they attempted to get answers from the school but were denied access to the teacher in question.
Steve Mabona, Gauteng Education Department spokesperson said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s suicide has been launched.
However, the Moalusi family say two weeks later and they are still being kept in the dark.
“As his family, we accepted Tiro for who he was, so for a teacher to make fun of a child’s sexuality is wrong. We want justice for Tiro but it seems the school is protecting the identity of the teacher.”
Tiro’s aunt says the family want answers and plan to take legal action against the school for his death
Tiro Moalusi was laid to rest on Thursday, 24 August and his family say they want the teacher to be held accountable for his death.
